Williams Academy driver Victor Martins expressed intense frustration after a massive collision disrupted the Formula 2 race in Monaco last weekend, leading him to compare McLaren junior Alex Dunne’s driving to that of Max Verstappen in a critical tone. The incident occurred during the first lap of the feature race, overshadowing much of the event’s competitive action in the 2025 F2 championship.
The Monaco Grand Prix weekend, known for its prestige on the Formula 1 calendar, again proved controversial. In the main F1 race, Verstappen had to relinquish the lead on the last lap due to FIA’s newly introduced two-stop mandate for the 2025 event, ultimately finishing fourth in the principality. However, it was the chaotic start of the F2 race that captured the spotlight. Dunne, starting from pole position, suffered a poor getaway which triggered an 11-car pile-up at Turn 1, instantly ending the race hopes for many drivers including Martins.
First corner collision halts the F2 race prematurely
The extensive crash forced race officials to red-flag the event before the pack cleared the opening corner. Several key contenders were eliminated, including championship leader Alex Dunne, Williams’ Victor Martins, and drivers Richard Verschoor, Gabriele Mini, Ritomo Miyata, Pepe Marti, and Max Esterson.
The aftermath saw notable unrest among the drivers directly affected. Martins and Red Bull junior Pepe Marti were overheard discussing the crash, both frustrated at how Dunne’s error had derailed their race weekends. Marti labeled Dunne’s actions as “insane,” reflecting the general sentiment among competitors. Martins intensified the critique by targeting Dunne’s driving style, stating: “He thinks he’s Max Verstappen!” —Victor Martins, Williams Academy driver
Insights into the wider impact and future implications for Monaco racing
This chaotic event has raised questions about the suitability of Monaco’s narrow and unforgiving circuit for high-stakes F2 racing, especially when starting from tight grids and pole positions. The crash not only eliminated front-runners but also cast a shadow on how future events might be managed to avoid similar carnage. Meanwhile, Verstappen’s strategic challenges in the F1 race highlight ongoing efforts by the FIA to balance competitiveness with regulation enforcement.
As the championship progresses, drivers like Martins and Marti are expected to be eager for clearer opportunities to demonstrate their talent without such disruptive incidents. The controversy surrounding Dunne’s drive and its comparison to Verstappen continues to fuel debates on discipline and racecraft in junior categories. How teams and officials respond to these tensions will play a crucial role in shaping the Monaco weekend experience in upcoming seasons.
