He had never been on the podium of this special Grand Prix before.
But Max Verstappen doesn't do things by halves.
This Sunday, he even made a nice double shot.
Not only did the Red Bull Honda driver win the Monaco Grand Prix for the first time in his young career, but he also took the seat of the leader of the Formula 1 season after five races.
“It's a special moment, I grew up watching this Grand Prix but I don't forget that the season is still long,” said the 23-year-old Dutchman, who scores his 12th success on the circuit.
Max Verstappen led the race from start to finish, passing under the checkered flag, waved by tennis champion Serena Williams, ahead of Carlos Sainz (Ferrari) and Lando Norris (McLaren).
Sergio Perez (Red Bull) and Sebastian Vettel (Aston Martin) complete an unprecedented top 5 this season.
The seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes) finished 7th and gives up his place as leader of the championship for 4 small points.
Valtteri Bottas (Mercedes) abandoned him on lap 31 of 78, after a technical problem during a pit stop when he was 2nd.
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@ Max33Verstappen offers himself this #MonacoGP and becomes leader in the World Championship 🇲🇨🍾
▶ ️ https://t.co/7plkVVV12v pic.twitter.com/uVOq6L37ss
- CANAL + F1® (@ CanalplusF1) May 23, 2021
This Grand Prix was also marked by the abandonment, a few moments before the start, of the Monegasque Charles Leclerc.
The Ferrari driver, who was due to start from pole position, finally had to throw in the towel due to a technical problem.
Leaving Verstappen alone on the first row at the start.
At 23, Leclerc seems cursed on “his” circuit where, in three races, he has never seen the checkered flag at the finish.
Despite the disappointment, he came to congratulate his Scuderia partner Carlos Sainz for his 2nd place on the podium.
A consoling hug from Prince Albert #MonacoGP 🇲🇨 # F1 pic.twitter.com/oMjGOO590T
- Formula 1 (@ F1) May 23, 2021
Frenchman Pierre Gasly (AlphaTauri) took 6th place.
Disappointment for the Alpine team, whose Monegasque circuit seemed to correspond, since the French Esteban Ocon and the Spaniard Fernando Alonso finished 9th and 13th respectively.
Note that the Monaco Grand Prix, canceled in 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic, was able to compete in front of well-stocked stands since 7,500 spectators, or 40% of the total capacity in the stands, were allowed to attend. on the run.
