Four-time Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen expressed clear frustration after the uneventful 2025 Monaco Grand Prix on May 25, using a sarcastic comment to describe the race. Verstappen sarcastically labeled the race “exciting” despite the lack of overtakes or significant action, a tone picked up by former champion Damon Hill.
Starting from fourth position, Verstappen’s afternoon in Monaco was marked by a lack of progress. He completed the first of two mandatory pit stops on lap 29 and kept the lead for much of the race. However, his attempt to delay the second stop in hopes of benefiting from a safety car or virtual safety car period ultimately failed.
By the race’s final lap, Verstappen had to make the second pit stop, which cost him the lead and resulted in a finish at his starting position, P4. Despite the quiet race, Verstappen’s ironic praise was unmistakable.
“Very exciting. I was on the edge of my seat every lap; it was fantastic,” Verstappen told The Race.
Damon Hill, recognizing the irony, commented on Verstappen’s Instagram story, stating,
“I think he’s being sarcastic.”
During post-race interviews, Verstappen openly criticized the two-pit stop rule applied in Monaco, suggesting that the new regulations do not enhance racing spectacle on such a narrow circuit. He explained that while leading in the latter stages, his front tires had degraded significantly, yet no drivers were capable of overtaking him, highlighting Monaco’s restrictive characteristics.
Moreover, Verstappen’s sarcastic remarks extended to a joking suggestion that the FIA should introduce slippery obstacles like a banana on the track to increase unpredictability, underscoring his frustration with the lack of action.
Verstappen Explains Risky Pit Stop Decision
Max Verstappen attempted an unconventional strategy by postponing his second mandatory pit stop until the final lap, hoping for a race interruption such as a safety car or red flag. When this did not materialize, his gamble failed to produce an advantage.
Speaking to Autosport, Verstappen defended this approach, emphasizing his limited options given the race conditions. He said,
“Yeah, there was nothing to lose, right? I had a big gap behind. It was still the same position for me, but that’s Monaco for you. Qualifying is super important. Normally, when nothing bad happens, you don’t really move forward. And if you just do normal pit stops, you just keep your position, and that’s exactly what happened today.”
He further noted that his pace was insufficient to challenge the McLarens, so risking the delay in pit strategy was essentially his only chance to improve his finishing position. This explanation reflects his frustration with Monaco’s layout and race dynamics limiting competitive opportunities.
The 2025 Monaco Grand Prix illustrated the ongoing challenges F1 faces in generating genuinely competitive racing on tighter circuits, where overtaking remains difficult despite rule changes. Verstappen’s visible dissatisfaction, coupled with Damon Hill’s acknowledgement of his sarcasm, highlights the tension among drivers regarding how race formats influence excitement and entertainment value.
Looking forward, Verstappen’s comments may influence future conversations on race regulations, especially regarding pit stop strategies and track suitability, to foster better racing action at iconic venues like Monaco.
