Formula 1 champion Max Verstappen welcomes the emergence of McLaren ahead of the Monaco Grand Prix, which will be presented this weekend. He narrowly beat Lando Norris last Sunday at the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, beating the McLaren driver to the finish line by just 0.725 seconds. A much narrower gap than last year, when Verstappen and Red Bull dominated the premier series of motorsport and smashed numerous records.
“It’s good for our sport, because more teams can aspire to victory,” said the Dutchman on Thursday in Monaco. Certainly, the gap has narrowed, which means, for us, that we will have to raise our level even further. »
Although Verstappen took the lead at the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, he was pushed aside by McLaren in qualifying – Oscar Piastri set the second fastest time, just ahead of Norris.
The latter is having good times lately, with three consecutive podiums, including a victory at the Miami Grand Prix on May 5. His performances offered a glimmer of hope to racing fans, and Norris himself now believes in his chances of being a title contender.
“Everyone should think like that,” Verstappen said of Norris’s chances. Especially after their last two races, because they [les pilotes de McLaren] are very competitive. »
The fact remains that the gap in the general classification is still considerable. Verstappen has a 48-point cushion ahead of Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc, while his Red Bull teammate Sergio Perez is third on 54. Norris follows in fourth on 60 points.
“Our car is still very, very fast. I am very satisfied with our progress, Verstappen said about Red Bull. We continue to work hard, especially on the development of our powertrain. »
Verstappen is untouchable in qualifying, and he has won every leading position so far this season.
His streak of eight consecutive pole positions dates back to the last race of the last campaign, and if he can set the fastest time again in Monaco, then he will shatter the record he currently shares with the legendary Ayrton Senna.
Verstappen, however, does not seem very optimistic about his chances of accomplishing this feat, given the very tight and winding 3.3km track in the Monaco principality.
“Even if we can count on the best car on the grid, Monaco is a very risky track. It doesn’t particularly suit us, because of the bumps and vibrators, he explained. Ferrari usually does well here in qualifying, and McLaren has obviously raised its performance level. »
To increase its chances of winning, and to circumvent the limits imposed by this particular road circuit, Red Bull has also decided to add aerodynamic downforce to the rear of its car this weekend. “It’s so narrow,” Verstappen said of Monaco. It’s even more demanding [que les autres circuits routiers au calendrier]. »