Red Bull’s Max Verstappen says he approached the Monaco Grand Prix with a “clear margin” off the back of his costly crash during Saturday’s final practice session.
Verstappen placed second to Red Bull team—mate Daniel Ricciardo through the sessions but clipped the inside wall exiting Piscine, sending him straight into the barriers beneath the pit lane.
Red Bull attempted to undertake fixes in time for qualifying but an oil leak in the gearbox left Verstappen on the sidelines and he was forced to start from the back of the grid.
Verstappen made gains on the first lap and gradually worked his way through the lower order, extending his first stint before pitting, emerging in 11th spot.
Verstappen passed ex-team-mate Carlos Sainz Jr. and picked up another position when McLaren’s Fernando Alonso retired, but was unable to make further progress, and finished ninth.
“I just didn’t want to go too risky and have a crash because I cannot be in that position now,” he said.
“I think I did everything with a certain margin. If I would have taken a bit more risk I don’t think I would have got past the guys ahead of me
“Starting last I managed to get two place straight away at the start which was good. From there it was just a case of trying to past.
“At times it was easier than others, with different drivers and engines on the straights but still managed to squeeze past a few drivers so that’s always good.
“I think we had the right strategy as well by staying out and trying to extend the first stint, especially as the tyre wasn’t in a great shape during the race.
“I think we maximised the result. At the end of the race it was a bit of a train from fourth to ninth. We couldn’t have done more starting last.”
Verstappen continues to hold sixth position in the Drivers’ Championship.
