Max Verstappen will head in to the Monaco Grand Prix weekend determined to improve his rather unimpressive track record in the prestigious Principality.
The Red bull driver knows all about the pitfalls that hide around the streets of Monte-Carlo, having been caught out by the track's perils last year when he crashed in FP3.
The mishap proved costly as it forced a last row start on the Dutchman, but the mistake was also a crucial reality check for Verstappen who initiated a healthy reset at that point, reining in his impetuosity to focus on consistency.
Since, the 20-year-old has been in an uptrend, with Red Bull team boss Christian Horner claiming his driver "has selected another gear" to put himself at the top of his game.
A clean weekend and a good result in Monaco is now definitely in order for Verstappen.
"It was great to be back on the podium in Barcelona and now I'm looking forward to Monaco," he said in the team's race preview.
"It's a very special and hectic weekend, and for sure it’s a lot of fun.
"It’s a street circuit with a lot of history and it’s not been the best one for me over the last few years, but hopefully it’s time to turn this around."
©RedBull
As for several drivers on the grid, the Monaco Grand Prix will be a home race of sorts for Verstappen.
"I live in Monaco so it’s nice to sleep in my own apartment instead of a hotel, and a few of my friends and family will be there so I’m looking forward to seeing them and having a good weekend."
However, as determined as he is to secure a good result in the Principality, Verstappen insists his team won't be as strong there as it was twelve months ago, having to contend with its outstanding Mercedes rival.
"I think at the moment, looking at the low-speed performance in the last sector [in Barcelona], we are clearly not the favourite," he said.
"I don't expect it to be like last year when we were super-strong in Monaco. I think at the moment, we're not really better in any corner than Mercedes.
"It's not that we have a bad car – but at the moment, Mercedes is just a bit quicker than us everywhere."
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