Verstappen: 'One stop, 10 stops, you can't race here'

Max Verstappen complained about the recent rule changes implemented for the Monaco Grand Prix after finishing fourth in the race, exclaiming that "you can't race here".

The Monaco Grand Prix, which takes place on the narrow and twisty streets of the Principality of Monaco, has always been a difficult track to overtake on.

However, with the increasing size of recent Formula 1 cars and a general tightening of the field in terms of performance, a spectator can count themselves lucky if they witnessed even a single overtake during the race.

Verstappen was one of many drivers on Sunday who failed to overtake another competitor on the circuit, and he ultimately crossed the finish line where he started in fourth place.

Doing Mario Kart

The Dutchman held the lead of the Grand Prix on multiple occasions, as he and Red Bull crossed their fingers for a Safety Car or red flag to bring them into race-winning contention. A rule had been added for the 2025 edition of the Monaco race, requiring all drivers to come into the pits at least twice for a fresh set of tyres.

Unfortunately for the four-time World Champion, no incident took place on track that necessitated a Safety Car or an immediate halting of the Grand Prix.

In the end, the 78-lap event was won by McLaren's Lando Norris, ahead of Ferrari's Charles Leclerc and the other McLaren of Oscar Piastri who rounded out the podium.

• Monaco GP: Flawless Norris wins tactical street race - Leclerc second

Speaking to Sky Sports F1 after the race, Verstappen cut a frustrated figure as there was nothing he could do to work his way up the running order.

He said: "You can't race here. It doesn't matter what you do. One stop, 10 stops.

"Even at the end, I was in the lead, my tyres were completely gone and you still can't pass," added the Red Bull driver.

Verstappen continued by joking that a few video game-like obstacles and challenges could be thrown into the race to make it more enjoyable for F1 fans.

He stated: "Nowadays with an F1 car, you can just about pass an F2 car around here. I get it but I don't think it's worked.

"We were almost doing Mario Kart. Then we have to install bits on the car and maybe you can throw bananas around! Slippery surface!"

Nothing To Lose

On the decision to stay out and hope for a Red flag, Verstappen claimed that it was worth a shot.

The Dutch driver explained: "There was nothing to lose. I had a big gap behind. Like I said, I could have done four stops and still the same position.

"For me, that’s Monaco for you. Qualifying is super important. Normally, when nothing bad happens you don’t really move forward and if you just do normal pit stops you just keep your position and it’s exactly what happened today.

"I don’t think we had the pace anyway to fight the guys ahead because every time I tried to stay with them my tyres were wearing a bit too much and graining a bit too much. P4 is definitely the maximum we could do," Verstappen concluded.

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