With only 31 points separating Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc in the drivers’ standings, it is game on. Moreover, unlike their 2022 battle, Frederic Vasseur seems to have rid Ferrari of their infamous strategic mismanagement. This creates an interesting predicament for Verstappen, with Red Bull’s weaknesses already exposed at the Monaco GP. The reigning world champion was heavily struggling around the Circuit de Monaco, as his RB20 proved ineffective over the bumps and curbs of the narrow street circuit. Red Bull’s clink in the armor finally emerged, and Ferrari exploited it.

Though Verstappen could only manage a dismal P6, “I can’t blame everything on the car,” he said, as quoted by Marca, adding, “But everything we tried didn’t make a difference.” He reiterated his point, adding, “We tried a lot of things on the car, and literally nothing improved it, so you just get stuck and that’s what we’re worried about.” His worries are expected to amplify at the even-bumpier Canadian GP track up next.

Charles Leclerc, who finally won after 2 years (last victory at the 2022 Austrian GP), didn’t hold back from warning his rival. “After tomorrow, we’ll start thinking about Canada and focus 100% again to maximize the next weekend,” he said, even before the late-night partying with the Monaco royalty began. Though Charles Leclerc beat Red Bull to win defiantly, the no-overtaking nature of the circuit bored fans and drivers alike. Most drivers finished in their starting positions after 78 laps.

Max Verstappen laments Monaco GP’s ‘unfortunate’ F1 plight

The Dutchman is known for his unabashed nature in interviews. He speaks his heart out. Unfortunately, the narrow streets of Monaco, which prevent today’s generation of F1 cars from overtaking, couldn’t win his heart. The Red Bull driver started and finished P6. In fact, the entire Top 10 was unchanged. No glitz or glamour could hide the pinnacle of motorsport failing to entertain.

“Overall, the weekend is really cool,” Verstappen said post-race. “Just the Sunday is a little bit boring, unfortunately, but the scenery is still great. If we can find a way to race a bit better, why not? That would be my preferred solution. No one really wanted to stress their tires too much, because you know you can’t pass around here, so not really exciting. It’s a bit of a shame,” the 3-time champion concluded.

Lewis Hamilton and Lando Norris, too, echoed his stance, with their “falling asleep” and “driving round in no man’s land” statements. It is supremely ironic how contrasting the views of these drivers versus Charles Leclerc are. But the game is the game. With the Canadian GP in two weeks, Red Bull will need some quick fixes to avoid the Ferrari threat.