Photo: Red Bull Content Pool
Verstappen is pleasantly surprised after Qualifying in Monaco
Formula 1 Max Verstappen Red Bull Racing F1 Monaco 2026 F1 season
After average performance through all practices Max Verstappen was really close to claiming a pole position for the Monaco Grand Prix. After a tricky FP3, which the Red Bull driver finished fifth, he was pleasantly surprised by his Qualifying result as he was the only one challenging pole sitter Antonelli.
Afterall, Verstappen claimed, quoted by the official Formula 1 website: “If you would’ve told me yesterday that I would be on the front row, I definitely would’ve taken it.” He also added that he had some difficulties with the car in the final practice so being in the front row for Sunday’s race is extremely positive.
“Overall, of course, I’m very happy with how Qualifying went, how all the laps went, even though I had to deal with all the traffic and the walls,” the Dutch driver continued. He also commented on how the 2026 specifications feel around the streets of Monte Carlo: “They are more on edge than the last few years, and also with the power that kicks in, driveability and shifts are all a bit different.”
The four time World Champion also added that when he got on the top of it and got a clean lap it was very rewarding when it went well, especially in Qualifying.
Verstappen was also asked about the tomorrow’s start: “These cars are quite complicated to start. I have two cars behind me that start quite well, but we’ll see. This was a good day, and I definitely enjoyed it in Qualifying.”
