Verstappen not looking forward to Monaco

A two stop fuel strategy saw Verstappen mix it with the frontrunners during the early stages of the A1-Ring race, but he dropped back after taking his first trip to the pits. Despite making progress with the nimble A22, he says that it is a lack of power which is holding the team back.

"I must say we've been making a lot of progress, so in that respect I'm very happy," said Verstappen, "but we're not as quick as we thought we would be, so that's been disappointing. It's reliable, we don't have any problems on that side, but we need a little bit more horsepower, and I don't know when we will get it."

Due to the tight and twisty nature of the Monaco street circuit, the Leafield-based team may not be unduly hindered by its lack of grunt, as it is not a Grand Prix where power is at a premium. Nevertheless Verstappen does not expect to perform.

"I hate Monaco!" he said. "It's nice to drive in the streets or whatever, but to me it's not so challenging. It's between the walls, so you have to behave very carefully. It's like driving in the wet, and you can't overtake. So for me it's not racing. I just don't enjoy it..."

The imposing barriers and enclosed layout make overtaking at the principality almost impossible. Therefore qualifying high up the grid is key, but Verstappen has struggled so far this year. The 29-year-old has been outqualified four times to two by his younger team mate Enrique Bernoldi.

For full Jos Verstappen Q&A, click here.