The 2025 Monaco Grand Prix has already delivered high drama and unexpected twists, with Friday and Saturday’s practice sessions setting the stage for a fiercely competitive weekend on the iconic streets of Monte Carlo. For reigning world champion Max Verstappen, however, the opening sessions have been a rollercoaster of challenges and frustration, as Red Bull struggles to find pace against a resurgent Ferrari and a competitive McLaren. Verstappen’s reactions to the results of Free Practice 1 (FP1), Free Practice 2 (FP2), and Free Practice 3 (FP3) reveal a mix of concern, determination, and a candid assessment of Red Bull’s position heading into qualifying on Saturday, May 24, 2025.
In FP1 on Friday, Verstappen managed a solid second-place finish, clocking a time of 1:11.964, just behind Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc, who topped the session despite an early collision with Lance Stroll. McLaren’s Lando Norris rounded out the top three, while championship leader Oscar Piastri and Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton followed in fifth and ninth, respectively. Verstappen’s performance showed promise, but he was vocal about the car’s balance, with reports indicating he expressed frustration over the radio, stating, “we are nowhere.” The session was marked by several incidents, including Leclerc’s clash and close calls for other drivers, which highlighted the narrow margins for error at Monaco. Verstappen, however, avoided major trouble, and his lap time suggested Red Bull had a foundation to build on.
FP2 later that day painted a different picture, exposing Red Bull’s vulnerabilities. Leclerc again led the way with a time of 1:11.355, narrowly edging out Piastri by 0.038 seconds, with Hamilton in third. Verstappen, however, slumped to 10th, a disappointing 0.713 seconds off Leclerc’s pace. The session was chaotic, with Piastri and Racing Bulls’ Isack Hadjar both crashing, the latter twice, causing red flags. Verstappen’s teammate Yuki Tsunoda also struggled, finishing 11th, while Racing Bulls’ Liam Lawson and Hadjar impressively secured fifth and sixth. Verstappen’s reaction to FP2 was telling—he described the session as a “nightmare” for Red Bull, admitting that the car’s lack of grip and balance issues were particularly pronounced on Monaco’s tight layout. Posts on X echoed Verstappen’s frustration, with some users noting his comments about the track’s challenges, calling it “pretty insane” but acknowledging the team’s struggles.
By FP3 on Saturday morning, Verstappen showed slight improvement, finishing fourth with a time of 1:12.127, but he remained 0.772 seconds behind Leclerc’s benchmark of 1:11.355 from FP2. Leclerc continued his dominant form, with Piastri and Hamilton again in close contention. Verstappen’s pace improved marginally, but Red Bull’s setup issues persisted, particularly in the low-speed corners where Ferrari’s new aerodynamic package gave them an edge. Verstappen’s reaction to FP3 was more measured but still underscored his concerns. He acknowledged the car’s handling issues on Monaco’s bumpy surface, stating that the team “overdid” some setup changes, a sentiment echoed in recent Formula 1 reports. He admitted that Ferrari’s pace was “very, very fast,” and while Red Bull made progress, they were still far from challenging for pole.
Verstappen’s overall reaction reflects a champion under pressure. He remains pragmatic, recognizing that Monaco’s unique demands—narrow streets, elevation changes, and the tunnel—amplify Red Bull’s current weaknesses. The new two-stop rule and softer tire compounds for 2025 add another layer of complexity, potentially favoring teams like Ferrari, who have shown superior tire management in practice. Verstappen’s comments suggest a focus on damage limitation for the race, given Monaco’s overtaking challenges and his likely starting position outside the top three. As qualifying looms, Verstappen and Red Bull face a critical test to close the gap, but his reactions indicate a team on the back foot, bracing for a tough weekend in the principality.
