“Aston Martin and Ferrari will be strong, I don’t know Mercedes”

Max Verstappen expects more competition in Monaco than in the previous races of the 2023 Formula 1 season.

Max Verstappen heads into the Monaco Grand Prix as the championship leader, having won just once so far.

The Dutch driver is 14 points ahead of teammate Sergio Perez, who won the Monaco Grand Prix.

Although Red Bull has won every race so far, the competition is expected to be intense over the weekend due to the nature of Monaco.

“I think it will be more difficult for us here,” Verstappen said in an interview on Thursday.

“The grid is getting closer, but – however – we still have a good car and we need to make the most of it.”

“We know our one-lap performance isn’t our best, but we’ve had a few chances this year. So anything is possible.” say.

When asked who will be his main rival this weekend, Fernando Alonso or Charles Leclerc, Verstappen replies: “It could be Charles, or Ferrari in general. Carlos. [Sainz] It’s very good here too.”

“But I have to say that Aston Martin will also be strong here in the slow corners. They are not very good this year, but they can pay off here.”

“I really don’t know what Mercedes can do with the new concept, but they still don’t quite understand it.”

“Still, I understand them because you learn more by trying new parts on the track than trying them in the factory.”

“That’s why I always want new things in the car as soon as possible.”

Verstappen admits that Monaco is not the best track for the RB19.

“These corners are so slow and tight that they demand very different things from the car than a normal track.”

“Sometimes it works perfectly for some cars and sometimes it doesn’t.”

“I prefer a car that is fast on most tracks. It’s okay if the car isn’t very good in Monaco. After all, it’s only one race.”

“Of course I would like to win here too, but if that is not possible I would be happy to get the points.”