Max Verstappen addresses F1 title chances after 'big struggle'

Max Verstappen has addressed his F1 drivers' title chances after finishing fourth in the Monaco Grand Prix, in what was another "big struggle" for Red Bull. 

With the exception of in 2023, the Circuit de Monaco has been a frustrating venue for the Milton Keynes-based outfit, who tended to struggle in the Principality. 

It was the case once again over the weekend, with Verstappen having bemoaned the RB21's weakness in riding kerbs and cambered corners.

He did well to qualify in fourth; however, had to settle for the same position in the race due to overtaking being impossible once again in Monaco. 

The result saw the Dutchman slip to 25 points adrift of Oscar Piastri, who finished third after Lando Norris claimed victory.

It means the four-time world champion is now a full win behind the Australian, although Verstappen is not getting ahead of himself with the title fight.

"Well, honestly, I don't really think about the championship. I just want to go race by race," Verstappen told select media, including RacingNews365. 

"Of course, some tracks, you might be a bit more competitive, and some you will struggle a bit more. And I think it was clear that, again, in Monaco, we struggled. 

"But honestly, every year we have struggled here with this new generation of cars. Only in '23 we had a massive pace advantage, and then you still win the race. But all the other years for me, personally, have always been a big struggle."

Despite Red Bull's weaknesses being exposed in Monaco, Verstappen was generally pleased with his result.

"I think considering our pace the whole weekend, we did a good job," assessed Verstappen. "But yeah, I think as a team, of course, we're never happy with P4. But we also have to accept when we know our limitations with the car."