Max Verstappen needs to dominate the Monaco GP after two challenging weekends against Lando Norris

Max Verstappen and Red Bull have found themselves in a potential fight with Lando Norris and McLaren for the world title.

Max Verstappen needs to dominate the Monaco GP after two challenging weekends against Lando Norris

Max Verstappen (L), Lando Norris (R) (images via IMAGO)

Max Verstappen has dominated Formula 1 in recent years. The Dutch driver seemed to be in a league of his own in the ground-effect era. However, it seems that Verstappen now finally has stiff competition from Lando Norris and McLaren.

The reigning world champion lost the Miami GP to Lando Norris after a Safety Car. Max Verstappen simply lacked the pace to overtake the McLaren for the better half of the Grand Prix. Undoubtedly this was a major setback for Red Bull.

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Verstappen clinched victory in the next round at Imola. The Dutchman seemed to have gained a sufficient gap at the start of the race. However, after the round of pitstops, Lando Norris was charging for the win. The McLaren driver even claimed that he would’ve won the race if he had a couple of more laps to spare. As such, Red Bull would be alarmed by the challenge put up by the Woking-based team.

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Max Verstappen and Red Bull in dire need to bounce back in Monaco

The Monaco GP is the most challenging circuit on the F1 calendar. Red Bull’s chassis has always given it an edge in Monte Carlo. However, if Norris and McLaren remain a threat this weekend, it could potentially highlight any shortcomings of the RB20. With Adrian Newey no longer involved in Red Bull’s F1 operations, it could make it difficult for Milton Keynes.

Christian Horner and Max Verstappen
Christian Horner and Max Verstappen (Via: Imago)

Max Verstappen has won three consecutive world titles since 2021. The Dutchman was the favorite to win this year as well. However, with 17 races to spare, Lando Norris could become a real contender. Red Bull needs Verstappen to dominate the race and solidify the team as the favorite for the rest of the season.

McLaren would be energized after the last two rounds. This could further motivate the team to push to the limit in the coming races. However, a dominant Max Verstappen victory could be what the Red Bull needs to find its way back. The new upgrades for the RB20 have not worked so far. As such, the Austrian team needs a strong weekend to understand that the new components were on the right development path.

Certainly, Max Verstappen and Red Bull must not have expected to face a real threat so early this season. It is time for Verstappen and the team to extract the most pace out of the car to solidify a fourth consecutive drivers’ title. Although, it seems that things will be far from easy for the reigning world champions in the coming races.

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