Max Verstappen’s comments calling the Monaco Grand Prix ‘really, really boring’ have divided Formula 1 fans.
Charles Leclerc won his home race in Monte Carlo for the first time on Sunday, but aside from three dramatic crashes on the first lap it was an uneventful race.
While still the jewel in the F1 calendar, the Monaco Grand Prix is often one of the dullest races of the season thanks to overtaking being near-impossible on the narrow street circuit.
Verstappen started and finished in sixth place, with his usually dominant Red Bull struggling to perform, with the Dutchman’s lead in the championship cut to just 31 points.
Though he’ll retain the lead no matter what happens at the next race in Canada, the three-time world champion was left deeply frustrated at the lack of action, saying on the radio: ‘F*** me, this is really boring. Should’ve brought my pillow.’
Asked about these comments post-race, he sarcastically asked Sky Sports’ reporter: ‘How was it for you?!
‘I mean, we finished where we started, and the strategy was ruined by the red flag. We knew 77 laps on the hard tyre would be extremely tough.
‘No workout whatsoever. Just really, really boring.’
Some fans were quick to point out the hypocrisy, given Verstappen and Red Bull’s recent domination of the sport has been incredibly dull over the past few years.
On Twitter, @ant_iuculano said: ‘Funny… that’s exactly how the world felt watching him win most of the races in the past 15 or so months.
‘Verstappen actually had to try to fight for position today against [George] Russell, unlike in a number of races over the past year where he more or less led from start to finish. The only reason he claims this was boring is because he himself didn’t win it and is obviously quite petty.’
Kris Pucci added: ‘Verstappen complaining of a boring race is what I’m here for! Red car wins!’ while @senseionzaza posted: ‘As a non Red Bull fan… nothing makes me happier than a frustrated Max Verstappen.’
‘Verstappen complaining that the race was boring is so hilariously rich. Mate, that’s what you and your team have given us for the past 2 years. You don’t even fight your teammate on a regular basis,’ @dekrazee1 said.
Others agreed with the 26-year-old’s assessment however and also praised the bromance between him and Leclerc after he was seen hugging the Monegasque and telling him: ‘Finally mate! Congratulations.’
@Paulieb668 posted: ‘Hate Verstappen but yep, he’s right! It’s the most boring Grand Prix of them all,’ with @breakevenbrenda adding: ‘Why am I slowly becoming a Max Verstappen fan, his sarcasm is elite.’
‘This question comes up every time but does Monaco deserve to be on the calendar?’ @PolskiPolak_2 pondered.
‘Everyone outside the top 10 was lapped twice, the top 10 didn’t change since qualifying and we only had action when [Lance] Stroll pit after hitting the wall. Replace Leclerc with Verstappen and it’s boring.’
‘Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton congratulate Charles Leclerc on his win in the press area. Beautiful,’ Ahmet Cirakman said.
@FanmaxVerstapp1 added: ‘They’re friendship is everything. Look how happy Max is for Charles. So amazing,’ while @leclercsletters jested: ‘Max looking happier than when he wins.’
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