Red Bull slower in Monaco than in 2024: Verstappen relieved it's over

Before the Monaco race weekend, Verstappen knew what time it was. After a disastrous Grand Prix in 2024, it was clear that the Red Bull car was not suited for the narrow and bumpy street circuit with high kerbs. Despite a victory in Imola, Verstappen went into the weekend without much confidence.

Because although the balance of the RB21 was much better in Imola and the pace on Sunday was equal or even faster than that of McLaren, the Circuit in Monaco would be a completely different challenge. Low speed corners and lots of bumps and curbs. Everything that the RB21 could not deal with.

On Saturday, Verstappen already stated that it was just one race weekend where he just had to score points. One race weekend in a championship of 24 races. Verstappen has already won four titles, but only twice in Monaco. A defeat in Monaco therefore rarely says anything about the rest of the season.

"Well, honestly I don't really think about the championship," said Verstappen after the race. "I just want to go race by race. Of course, some tracks you know you might be a bit more competitive and some you will struggle a bit more and I think it was clear that again here in Monaco we struggled. Honestly every year we have struggled here with this new generation of cars."

Since the new regulations, Verstappen only won in 2023, when Red Bull Racing was so much stronger than the competition that even Monaco became a victory for Max Verstappen. In the following years, however, the competition got closer, and Red Bull was no longer able to win in the streets of Monte Carlo.

Even though the result in 2025 was better than in 2024, the RB21 was not faster than its predecessor. "No, I don't think so. We were actually slower than last year in qualifying. I don't think we have improved what we wanted to improve around here."

With a fourth place, Verstappen managed to limit the damage. At least he was able to keep one Ferrari behind him and could have clinched the win with a red flag.

"I think considering our pace the whole weekend, we did a good job. I think as a team of course we're never happy with P4, but we also have to accept when we know our limitations with the car." Verstappen responded to a question from GPblog.

After Monaco, the focus shifts forward to a circuit where Verstappen can make a difference. In Barcelona, Verstappen will face a track that is closer to the qualities of the RB21. Fewer low-speed sections, no bumps, and instead many more high-speed corners.

"Hopefully a bit better, yeah. Less low-speed corners, more high-speed, hopefully that will suit the car a bit better." Verstappen confirmed that there will also be some new parts coming in Barcelona, to conclude with: "I hope, of course we're not seven times behind in Barcelona. That would not be good."

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