Max Verstappen cautious as Red Bull weakness set for Monaco test

Max Verstappen is approaching this weekend's Monaco Grand Prix with caution, as Red Bull's well-documented weakness over bumps and kerbs is set to be brutally exposed on the unforgiving streets of Monte Carlo. The four-time champion hasn't stood on the podium in Monaco since his 2023 victory, and the team's ongoing ride quality issues make a top-three finish uncertain.

Why it matters:

Monaco is the ultimate test of a car's low-speed mechanical grip and ride quality—precisely where Red Bull has struggled most this season. After a mixed start to 2026, Verstappen's first podium of the year came only at the Canadian Grand Prix, highlighting the RB22's inconsistency. A poor result in Monaco could deepen concerns about the team's development direction.

The details:

• Verstappen has finished on the podium only once so far in 2026 (Canada), and Red Bull's form has been inconsistent compared to rivals.
• The RB22's ride quality over bumps and kerbs has been a recurring complaint from the Dutchman, and Monaco's tight, bumpy circuit will amplify this weakness.
• Verstappen's view: "Realistically, we've been okay in low-speed corners, but here you need to be good over bumps and kerbs, which is where we're not that great. We'll have to see how it evolves."
• Areas to improve: More grip, better power, improved braking efficiency, and a wider tyre operating window are all on the wishlist. Montreal also exposed a straight-line speed deficit.
• Monaco has no high-speed corners, which usually benefit Red Bull, but the lack of them doesn't help as low-speed performance is also not a strength.

What's next:

The Monaco weekend will serve as a critical benchmark for Red Bull's car concept. If Verstappen can extract a podium despite the car's limitations, it would be a strong result. However, if the RB22 struggles significantly, it may force the team to reconsider its development path for the rest of the season. As Verstappen put it, "Monaco can always give you some surprises."