Latest News / Headline

Verstappen: Crash part of my learning curve

31 May 2016

Max Verstappen says he will analyse and learn from his crash-strewn performance in Monaco, but insists there is no need to dwell too heavily on the weekend as a whole.

Just a fortnight on from his spectacular maiden victory in Spain, the Dutchman suffered a difficult weekend in Monte Carlo as he crashed three times, including in qualifying and the race.

But while Verstappen says he owes Red Bull an apology, he also believes such incidents are inevitable as he gains experience while trying to fight for podiums or better with his new team.

"The weekend started off okay, but after I had a crash in qualifying it went a bit downhill," said Verstappen, who started from the pit lane, worked his way back into the points, but then retired after going into the barriers at Massenet.

"I think the beginning of the race was very good, we showed great pace and sometimes got the fastest lap. It was all coming together, we got back into the points but then when we fitted the soft tyres unfortunately I made mistake and hit the wall. 

"Of course that is not how you want to end the weekend, especially if your team does a great job to rebuild the car after qualifying. I have to apologise to the team - they deserve much more.

"I learned a lot of things - the first to stay out of the wall. But it's all part of the learning curve, and getting more experience."

Asked how he will approach the forthcoming race in Canada, Verstappen added: "We [need] to analyse how and what went wrong [in Monaco], and why we got into this situation - but then quickly forget it and get ready for Canada because that's where we have to fight again and try to score good points, or try to go to the podium.

"For the moment [I have] no expectations, but after a few days I will get ready again, try to focus on the next Grand Prix and I'm pretty sure we can do a good job. I'm finally getting the new engine too so I'm looking forward to it.

"I have a car capable of getting to podiums and victories, it's a relaxed environment and they give you a lot of confidence. That's what I like."

Despite his retirement Verstappen still sits sixth in the 2016 drivers' standings, sandwiched between Ferrari's Sebastian Vettel and Williams' Felipe Massa.