Verstappen took risk-averse approach in Monaco GP 

Max Verstappen says he took a risk-averse approach in his recovery drive to ninth in the Monaco Grand Prix, following a spate of incidents during the 2018 Formula 1 season. 

The Red Bull driver started last on the Monte Carlo grid after a heavy crash at the end of final practice ruled him out of qualifying in Monaco.

Red Bull team principal Christian Horner said his driver needed to stop making mistakes after his sixth accident in as many races but Verstappen drove a collected race on Sunday as he made strong progress to claim a points finish in ninth. 

“Today I just didn’t want to go too risky and have a crash because I cannot be in that position now,” Verstappen admitted. 

“I think I did everything with a certain margin. If I would have taken a bit more risk I don’t think I would have got past the guys ahead of me.”

Verstappen gained two positions on the opening lap and battled past a number of midfield runners with some impressive overtaking manoeuvres, including a late lunge on Carlos Sainz’s Renault under braking at the Nouvelle Chicane. 

He found himself in a gaggle of cars fighting from fourth to ninth in the closing stages, having carried out an alternative strategy to run longer into the race than most - finally stopping on Lap 47. 

Despite fellow drivers’ complaints the 78-lap race was “boring”, the Dutchman said he enjoyed scything his way through the field and believes he maximised his result. 

“Actually I was enjoying myself out there,” he replied when asked if he found the race frustrating. “Starting last I managed to get two place straight away at the start which was good. 

“From there it was just a case of trying to past. At times it was easier than others, with different drivers and engines on the straights but still managed to squeeze past a few drivers so that’s always good. 

“I think we had the right strategy as well by staying out and trying to extend the first stint, especially as the tyre wasn’t in a great shape during the race today. I think we maximised the result. We couldn’t have done more starting last.”