Max Verstappen Gives up on Expectations for Monaco GP After Dismal P5 in Qualifying

Max Verstappen bluntly claimed that he was not going to have any expectations after qualifying in fifth place for the Monaco GP.

Max Verstappen Gives up on Expectations for Monaco GP After Dismal P5 in Qualifying

Max Verstappen and Gianpiero Lambiase (via Red Bull Content Pool)

The 2025 F1 season has been a mixed bag for Max Verstappen and Red Bull so far. The reigning world champion is facing stiff competition from the two McLarens. Nevertheless, the Dutchman is pushing himself to the limit and has won two races this year. However, Verstappen was left without any expectations after Qualifying at the Monaco GP.

Max Verstappen seemed off-pace against McLaren and Ferrari over the course of the weekend. The Red Bull RB21 seemed no match for the cars upfront on Friday. This remained the case in Qualifying, with Verstappen trailing behind the rival teams. Ultimately, the 27-year-old could only manage fifth place during a disappointing run.

The Red Bull star was asked if he had any expectations or hopes for the race on Sunday. Max Verstappen made it clear that he doesn’t like to spend time pondering such things. Rather, the Dutchman insisted that things could go in anyone’s way during a race. Moreover, he pointed out that during a 24-race-long season, a few difficult races were bound to happen.

I don’t really think about that a lot, it can be in or against your favor with those 2 pitstops. In the end there’s 24 races so at some point we have to check this one off.

Max Verstappen said post-Qualifying

Max Verstappen admits Red Bull RB21 ‘not good enough’

Red Bull has continued to work hard over the course of the season to better suit the RB21 for Max Verstappen. The car has seemed quicker in recent races and has started to give McLaren a run for their money. However, in a tight circuit like Monaco, the limitations of the challenger were once again revealed.

Christian Horner and Max Verstappen
Christian Horner and Max Verstappen (via F1)

Max Verstappen claimed that the RB21 was right on its limit in Qualifying. However, this was not enough, with the Dutchman struggling to get grip. Moreover, the four-time world champion pointed out that the kerbs in the middle sector posed a challenge for the car. So much so, that Verstappen could feel the time loss during that part of the circuit.

It was on the limit but just not good enough, not enough grip. In itself it feels relatively okay, but in the middle sector over those kerbs and in turn 5 where it goes off, you can just feel it’s not running well. You don’t have to tell me I’m losing that much time in sector two cause i can feel that myself.

Max Verstappen explained

It seems that the RB21 is not well suited for a track like Monaco. Max Verstappen will have a hard time trying to get in the battle for victory against the McLarens and Ferraris. The Dutchman already seems to be more focused on damage limitation. As such, even a podium result would be a positive outing for the reigning world champion in what might be a weekend to forget.

Read More: Charles Leclerc Accepts Ferrari Has ‘No Car to Win’ Despite Front Row Start for Monaco GP