The Monaco 2025 Grand Prix will come into history, not only thanks to the spectacular race on this emblematic urban circuit, but also thanks to the significant declarations of Max Verstappen which followed it. The defending world champion, engaged this season in a fierce fight with the McLaren Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri pilots, surprised his friends and his opponents with his virulent words after a disappointing fourth place in Monte-Carlo. His comments focused mainly on the domination of McLaren and the difficulties encountered by Red Bull. These statements have not only drawn the attention of fans, but also sparked the reaction of the Red Bull and McLaren stable directors, which has further increased voltage in Formula 1.

The Monaco race, which took place on May 25, 2025, was a triumph for McLaren. Lando Norris signed the pole position and won the race, while his teammate Oscar Piastri obtained a solid third place. Verstappen, who left fourth place after a difficult qualification, failed to keep the pace of the McLaren. After the race, he expressed his frustration at Sky Sports: “We cannot run here. It doesn’t matter that one or ten stops at the stands, catching up, is almost impossible. We did not have the speed necessary to compete with those preceding us. These words reflected not only his disappointment in the face of the result, but also an indirect criticism of the current formula 1, which, according to him, are too large and too heavy for urban circuits like that of Monaco.

Verstappen’s comments did not fall from the sky. This season, Red Bull is struggling to follow the domination of McLaren. McLaren won five of the eight 2025 races, Norris and Piastri forming a very solid duo together. In Imola, the race for Monaco, Verstappen managed to win thanks to a brilliant ascent on Piastri during the first round, but in Monaco, it became painfully obvious that Red Bull still had a weakness on the bumpy surfaces. Verstappen notably underlined the problems encountered in the second sector of the circuit, where the RB21 felt difficulties in mechanical grip and vibrating crossing. “We know this is our weak point,” he said after qualifying. “It’s not a surprise, but it’s frustrating. »»

The reaction of the director of the Red Bull team, Christian Horner, was remarkably moderate. He recognized McLaren’s superiority in Monaco, but stressed that Red Bull worked hard to find solutions. “Max is honest as for our situation,” said Horner. “Monaco is a unique circuit, and we knew it would be difficult. But we have current improvements which, we hope, will make us more competitive on other circuits. Horner also underlined the recent improvements that have borne fruit in Imola, with adjustments to the rear suspension and the engine housing for a better tire effect. He nevertheless admitted that Monaco is a circuit where the pilot makes the difference, and that, despite his talent, Verstappen simply did not have the car to fight for the victory.

At McLaren, the atmosphere was in good shape. Andrea Stella, the director of the stable, congratulated Norris for his “phenomenal” qualifications and stressed that the team had not taken into account the team instructions to give priority to Piastri, despite their advance in the championship. “We both give the same chances to our pilots,” said Stella. “But Max’s words bear witness to our current strength. It is a compliment that he recognizes our speed. Stella also underlined the adjustments made by McLaren for Monaco, such as an adapted rear fin and an improved front suspension, perfectly suited to the circuit requirements.

Verstappen’s statement has further fueled the rivalry between Red Bull and McLaren. While Norris is only at three points from Piastri to the championship and Verstappen follows him at 22 points, the battle for the title is not yet settled. The next race in Barcelona, ​​with its alternation of fast and slow turns, will be crucial to see if Red Bull will manage to fill the gap with McLaren. Verstappen himself remains combative: “We still have a lot of races to compete, and I never give up. His words after Monaco not only increased tension in the paddock, but also the expectations of a dazzling seasonal series.