Max Verstappen buoyant after dramatic Monaco P2: 'I felt like myself again'

Max Verstappen was buoyant after securing second place at the Monaco Grand Prix, a result that saw him declare, "I felt like myself again." The Red Bull driver produced a commanding performance around the streets of Monte Carlo, displaying the kind of dominant form that has defined his career.

Why it matters:

Verstappen's resurgence is a significant development in the 2026 championship fight. After a season of adapting to new regulations and battling inconsistent form, his dominant weekend signals that Red Bull has found a competitive sweet spot. For a driver who has been vocal about his struggles with the current generation of cars, this performance is a major psychological boost heading into the European summer.

The details:

• Verstappen controlled the race from the front row, driving a flawless race to finish second, a result he described as feeling like his old self.
• The Dutchman has been one of the most outspoken critics of the 2026 technical regulations, previously stating that the new formula made the cars difficult to drive.
• His strong performance in Monaco suggests that Red Bull has made significant setup breakthroughs, allowing him to drive more naturally and attack corners with confidence.

What's next:

With his confidence restored, Verstappen will look to carry this momentum into the next rounds of the championship. If Red Bull has truly unlocked the potential of the RB22, the defending champion could soon become a regular fixture on the podium once again, reshaping the title battle.