Max Verstappen is hoping for a less “difficult” weekend at the 2024 Canadian Grand Prix in Montreal.
Verstappen arrives in Montreal as the two-time defending Canadian GP winner after taking back-to-back victories in 2022 and 23 respectively.
The three-time champion however endured a tough weekend in Monaco which saw him only manage a sixth-placed finish, which he described as “more difficult” than normal by his and Red Bull’s lofty standards.
Verstappen now is excited to head to Canada and can’t wait to try and return to the front of the field at a popular circuit for drivers and fans alike.
“The track there is very unique, has some old school kerbs and there are plenty more opportunities for overtaking. It is even more important to have a good set up of the car and find a balance between the straight line speeds as well as good stability under the braking.
“It is always good to be back racing in Montreal; the scenery is one of a kind, the atmosphere in the city is great and the fans are very passionate.”
The 26 year-old also reacted positively to yesterday’s (4 June) announcement that Sergio Perez will partner him for two more seasons, as he welcomed the Mexican’s continuity with the team despite Adrian Newey’s upcoming exit in early 2025.
“Finally, it is great news that Checo has signed with the Team until 2026 and I am glad to be able to continue with the successful partnership that we have created over the past few years.
“We achieved a record-breaking season last year and the Team is very strong, so we are looking forward to building on this success into the next two years as well.”
Perez meanwhile is “happy” to head to Canada knowing that his future won’t be part of the driver market rumour mill, feeling pleased that he is “trusted” by Red Bull but is keen to bounce back after he retired on Lap 1 in Monaco after a big shunt with both Haas drivers.
“We need to get back to the standards we were setting before Imola and get the car in a better window to perform on both Saturday and Sundays. While the race was a disaster in Monaco, we were in the wrong grid position due to a poor qualifying and we need to solve that in Montreal.
“The Team and I want to be starting at the front of the grid come race day and the aim is to make our lives a lot simpler this weekend.”