F1 News, Reports and Race Results

Verstappen expects street circuits to suit Red Bull ‘even better’

Max Verstappen expects Red Bull to perform “even better” on a street circuit, where there is less emphasis on outright power, with the iconic Monaco Grand Prix just around the corner.

The Milton Keynes-based outfit ended a 20-month win drought last weekend when its latest recruit secured a stunning victory in Barcelona.

Speaking before clocking another 118 laps in the Renault-engined RB12 on Wednesday, Verstappen was quick to downplay any early expectations for Monte Carlo but confident Red Bull’s package will put him in a good spot.

“For the next race, to be honest, I don’t know: I’m still learning the car,” said the youngest race winner in F1 history. “Before I got into the car, I didn’t even have a hole for my drink tube. I still had to make it. We’ll see.

“I think our car will be good on a street circuit so I’m definitely looking forward to that and it will be a great feeling to start there in FP1 that’s for sure.

“Monaco is always something special. The atmosphere and then especially in qualifying when you are pushing it to the limit it gives you a good feeling.”

Red Bull could benefit from an upgraded Renault engine next weekend, with the French manufacturer currently pushing to have the evolution ready ahead of the initial schedule.

“You always want more power, don't you?” replied Verstappen when asked whether he was keen to get his hands on Renault’s B-spec power unit in the Principality.

The 18-year-old has already described the upgrade as a “positive” step after topping the final day of this week's Barcelona post-race test.

FEATURE: Combined Barcelona testing times

REPORT: Verstappen sets the pace on second day of Barcelona test

Scene at the Spanish Grand Prix

Spanish Grand Prix - Quotes of the weekend

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Julien Billiotte

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