WATCH: Max Verstappen almost rams his RB20 into the back of Yuki Tsunoda’s challenger in Monaco Practice

Max Verstappen had a challenging outing during Friday's practice sessions.

WATCH: Max Verstappen almost rams his RB20 into the back of Yuki Tsunoda’s challenger in Monaco Practice

Max Verstappen and Yuki Tsunoda (Via: Imago, X/F1, screenshot)

Friday’s running at the 2024 Monaco GP was action-packed with various things happening on the 3.3 km long street circuit. Several drivers were seen brushing the walls while going at insane speeds and amidst this, Red Bulls’ Max Verstappen almost found himself ramming his RB20 into the back of Yuki Tsunoda’s VCARB 01.

During one of the practice sessions, Max Verstappen was on a hot lap when out of nowhere he found Yuki Tsunoda ahead of him. While exiting a fast part of the Monaco track, Verstappen had the Japanese driver going quite slow and it almost caught him off guard.

YouTube video

The reigning world champion took immediate action but he did gesture toward Tsunoda to let his displeasure known. Moreover, the incident was noted for impeding by the officials at the track.

FS Video

In Monaco, such incidents are not an alien concept. Because the circuit is so tight, it gets quite difficult for drivers to make room for a fast-approaching car. This issue of the track really gets exposed during high-intensity qualifying sessions.

Red Bull is running ‘too stiff’ around the Monaco circuit

While Verstappen had an extremely close call with Tsunoda during Friday practice, overall the day was one to forget for the whole Red Bull team. The Dutchman and Sergio Perez were seen having a hard time getting on top of the RB20.

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

Moreover, none of them were in the top three in either of the practice sessions. 

In terms of the set-up, we're not yet where we want to be. We're currently running too stiff, and don't know if we will find a solution by qualifying, even though the long runs look good. But that is useless here if you don't start at the front row.
Helmut Marko said in post FP2 interviews

Traditionally, Monaco has always favored a driver who starts from the first place. The overtaking opportunities are almost non-existent around the 3.3 km track and considering this, the upcoming qualifying session holds the key for Red Bull.

Ferrari’s SF-24 has looked ultra-fast around the Monaco street circuit and after yesterday’s running, Charles Leclerc is being deemed the favorite to qualify in pole position. FP3 will be crucial for Verstappen and co. to get the balance of the RB20 right.

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