Verstappen rues his car's performance in slow-speed corners after tough qualifying

Despite eye-catching performance in the third and final practice session at the Monaco Grand Prix, reigning champion Max Verstappen set only the fifth quickest lap in today's qualifying.

Reigning champion Max Verstappen appeared to be very quick in final practice, but he was unable to keep up with the pace of the Ferraris and the McLarens when it really mattered in qualifying.

In the end, he took fifth on the grid for tomorrow's Monaco race, claiming that his car was lacking performance over the kerbs and through the slow-speed corners.

“In FP3 it was clear that we had limitations but unfortunately in sector two we were fairly slow, which was a shame. We were hoping for a bit more pace but it is clear that we are weaker in low speed.

"We had issues with the kerbs, which has always been the case with this car, and we generally struggle on the low-speed corners. We were just lacking feeling and balance and only managed P5 today.

"Regarding the moment with Lewis, I understand the Team told him that I was driving slow when in the fast lane so that was not his fault and had nothing to do with him but was a scary moment.

"Tomorrow, we will have to see how the two stop affects the race and what it brings. It can work for you, or against you, so it is impossible to know at the moment how it will work. It is difficult to pass so we will have to really rely on our strategy and see what the race brings for us," noted Verstappen.