Red Bull’s Max Verstappen has rued traffic issues after a difficult Friday Practice at 2025 Monaco Grand Prix.
Verstappen finished second in FP1 then tenth in FP2 but struggled with traffic issues throughout both sessions, particularly more so in the second session when he found himself impeded on a hot lap by teammate, Yuki Tsunoda plus Sauber rookie – Gabriel Bortoleto.
The 27 year-old consequently rued how difficult traffic is this weekend as he expressed concern at the potential danger that lies ahead in FP3 and Qualifying if not careful.
“Monaco is always quite tricky with traffic. I think there were moments where it was quite dangerous, which isn’t ideal. I know it is practice but it could have been worse if you don’t back out of it quickly and don’t read the situation.”
Verstappen proceeded to add that his decision to test his balance limits was also behind his FP2 struggles and conceded that Red Bull aren’t likely to be quick this weekend.
“We looked at how far we could push the balance and I think we just overdid it a little bit and I couldn’t attack the corners as much as I would have liked to. We were shedding a lot of pace and lap time. I don’t expect us to be the quickest, but we of course want to be a lot closer similar to what we were like in FP2.”
Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc topped both sessions and Verstappen feels that the Scuderia have taken a huge step forward after their recent struggles, although he expects McLaren to push Ferrari close across the remainder of the weekend.
“We could be a lot closer but the Ferraris again were looking fast and the McLarens were close behind. If you see over the whole season the pace, Ferrari has taken a big step forward here.”