Max Verstappen ‘gave it everything’ to secure maiden Monaco GP pole while Sergio Perez spoils championship chase with Q1 crash

Max Verstappen reveals the key to securing Monaco GP pole despite losing out in the first two sectors.

Max Verstappen ‘gave it everything’ to secure maiden Monaco GP pole while Sergio Perez spoils championship chase with Q1 crash

Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez (Credits: Skysports)

Qualifying has concluded for the 2023 Monaco GP. After an exciting contest for pole position in the final part of the session, Max Verstappen came out on top with the fastest lap. The reigning world champion secured his first pole position at this iconic race despite losing almost three-tenths to Fernando Alonso on the final run.

The Dutch driver managed to recover the three-tenths to Fernando Alonso in the final sector alone. Max was delighted with his stellar lap as he clinched Pole in a track expected to be a struggle for Red Bull. It all seemed over for Milton Keynes before Verstappen pulled on an incredible drive. The 25-year-old highlighted the need to take risks during Qualifying in the streets of Monte Carlo

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Verstappen lost out in the first two sectors to Alonso, who was on provisional pole. The 25-year-old revealed how he managed to gain back the time and further beat the Spanish driver by just 0.084 of a second. The two-time world champion said, “I think it was a bit cautious but then I knew that I was behind so in the last sector I just gave it everything I had clipped a few barriers.”

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Max Verstappen needs a “clean start” at the Monaco GP

Fernando Alonso and Max Verstappen, image via Twitter
Fernando Alonso and Max Verstappen, image via Twitter

The Red Bull driver will be starting right in front of the home hero Charles Leclerc. This makes for a rather exciting front two rows, including Alpine’s Esteban Ocon. It is no surprise that Verstappen is keen on getting a clear start on Sunday to retain his lead into turn 1. He said, “We need a clean start it’s a short run to turn 1. I mean in Monaco a lot of things can happen”.

The 25-year-old and his team are expecting chaos to unfold during the race. The Monaco GP is famous for its races being marked by safety cars, red flags, and of course, heavy rain. Though, Verstappen is keen on having a rather calm and composed race as Red Bull has been in a league of its own during long runs compared to its rivals. Sergio Perez crashed out from the race and will start from last place.

Thus, Max Verstappen silenced his critics after his stunning lap in the final Qualifying. The two-time world champion showcased some of the finest driving in the season so far after taking pole by gaining over three-tenths of a second in the shortest sector of the Monaco circuit. Certainly, the Dutchman looks set to claim a victory on Sunday.

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