Verstappen: Better if we go back to smaller, narrower F1 cars

Fresh from the relatively open expanses of Imola last Sunday, where Verstappen won, where even there the current-era cars looked ill at ease and uncomfortable as they tackled the high speeds and tight chicanes that characterise the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix venue, the contrast in Monaco is even starker.

On the twisty, narrow and challenging streets of Monte Carlo, the current Formula 1 cars appear extra clumsy and awkward to drive, which they are in this turbo-hybrid era.

Speaking to reporters ahead of this weekend's 71st Grand Prix at the Principality, Round 8 of the 2025 Formula 1 World Championship season, Verstappen nailed what just about everyone is thinking on the matter: "I don't think [Monaco] has changed a lot. It's very exciting. Like I explained before, the format, the qualifying, is very important.

"The track is narrow. These cars that we have currently are, for me personally, a little bit too big. It would be better if we went back to some smaller, narrower cars. I think that would only help racing here around Monaco.

"Hopefully, we can achieve that a bit. I know the coming cars are going to be a little bit smaller, but I think it’s still not enough. Hopefully, in the future, we can try and make them smaller again. But we’ll see," added the four-time F1 World Champion, twice a winner at Monaco.

As for a repeat of the sensational Imola victory last Sunday, Verstappen was cautious but typically optimistic: "If you look at the season so far, we’ve only really been properly competitive on high-speed corners. Monaco is not a high-speed track."

"I’m a little more reserved for this weekend," admitted Max. "Even if you have the best car, to nail it in qualifying around here is very tough. We just have to see what happens tomorrow and work from there. I have no idea where we are in the order.

"Historically, we’ve not been particularly great on street circuits. Hopefully we can change that a bit, but I don’t know," added the Red Bull driver, whose team has won the Monaco GP seven times.

As for what makes the unlikely city street-based Grand Prix venue so special, Verstappen ventured:
"It’s just how difficult the track is to master in qualifying, to get the most out of it. Also, knowing that overtaking is difficult on a Sunday, qualifying is even more important. It’s incredibly narrow, challenging, and bumpy.

"The history, of course, of Monaco in general—this is one of these races that you really want to win. It is very special to be racing here. It’s pretty insane, to be honest. But once you stand on the top step on the podium, it’s something where you’re like: That was a great weekend. You’re like: Done!”

Verstappen currently lies third in the 2025 F1 Championship Drivers' standings, 22 points adrift of leader Oscar Piastri and nine points behind Lando Norris. McLaren lead Red Bull in the Constructors' standings by 148 points after seven rounds.