Max Verstappen has expressed significant frustration and concern following a difficult weekend at the Monaco Grand Prix. The Red Bull Racing team faced unexpected challenges that hampered their performance, leading to a shocking result for both Verstappen and his teammate, Sergio Perez.
### Struggles with the Car
Verstappen described the handling of the RB20 as problematic, likening it to driving a “kangaroo” due to its unpredictable behavior over the circuit’s bumps and kerbs. This issue made the car difficult to control, particularly in Monaco’s tight and twisty streets, where precision is crucial. Despite various setup adjustments, including changes to suspension stiffness, the car remained unstable and challenging to manage【28†source】【29†source】.
### Qualifying Woes
The issues became glaringly apparent during qualifying. Verstappen managed to secure only a sixth-place start after an incident where he brushed against the barriers. Meanwhile, Perez had an even tougher time, getting eliminated in Q1, which highlighted the widespread struggles within the team. These results were a stark contrast to Red Bull’s usual strong performances, underscoring the severity of the handling issues they faced【27†source】【29†source】.
### Competitive Landscape
Adding to Red Bull’s woes was the impressive performance of rival teams Ferrari and McLaren, which have shown significant improvements. Verstappen noted that while their car’s weaknesses were less noticeable on other tracks, Monaco’s unique demands exposed their vulnerabilities. The increased competitiveness this season has further magnified these issues, putting Red Bull at a disadvantage【28†source】.
### Looking Ahead
Despite the challenging circumstances, Verstappen remains focused on finding solutions. He expressed uncertainty about their race prospects given the car’s instability but emphasized the need for the team to address these issues quickly. The Monaco Grand Prix served as a critical reminder of the areas where Red Bull needs to improve to maintain their competitive edge in the championship battle【27†source】【29†source】.
### Conclusion
Max Verstappen’s reaction to the Monaco Grand Prix reflects a rare moment of vulnerability for Red Bull Racing. The handling problems with the RB20 have prompted a thorough review as the team seeks to reclaim their dominance. Fans and analysts will be watching closely to see how Red Bull addresses these challenges in the upcoming races, with hopes that Verstappen can return to his winning ways soon.