Four-time world champion Max Verstappen heads to the Monaco Grand Prix with renewed confidence after his win in Imola, but remains cautious as McLaren pose a serious threat. Verstappen’s Red Bull updates proved effective, helping him close the gap in the title race, now trailing Oscar Piastri by 22 points and Lando Norris by 9.The glamorous street circuit of Monaco, known for its tight corners and unforgiving barriers, introduces a new two-stop strategy rule this year, potentially shaking up the competition. McLaren, dominant on slower tracks, sees this as a chance to break their Monaco win drought dating back to 2008.Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko admits the Monaco layout could pose problems despite recent improvements. Verstappen himself, a two-time Monaco winner who finished sixth last year, doesn’t expect an easy ride.

Meanwhile, Piastri is eyeing his fifth win of the season, while Norris hopes to improve on past results at a track he enjoys. Ferrari and Mercedes are less likely to challenge, though George Russell may be a surprise contender. Six rookies, including Mercedes’ Kimi Antonelli, will face the Monaco test for the first time.