Honda knows where Verstappen can beat Leclerc: "That's the key moment"

F1 News

22 May 2021 at 19:27
Last update 22 May 2021 at 20:10
  • GPblog.com

On Saturday evening it is still a little uncertain who will be on pole in the GP of Monaco on Sunday. There is a chance that Ferrari will replace Charles Leclerc 's gearbox and incur a grid penalty. In case this doesn't happen Max Verstappen, the number two on the first row of the grid, is still not overboard.

Overtaking on the Monaco circuit is almost impossible. Starting on pole position is more important here than on any other circuit. Toyoharu Tanabe: "Today’s result is a bit frustrating as it looked as though his final lap would have been good enough for pole position."

Tanabe sees Verstappen still winning

Despite missing pole, the Honda Japanese driver is trying to look at the race in a positive light. "It is encouraging that Max Verstappen will start from the front row. While it is true that grid position is very important here, the race is long and anything can happen."

Furthermore, Honda has turned one of its weaknesses into one of its strengths this season: the start. That comes in handy, as this may be the only moment Verstappen can pass the Ferrari on track. "The start is the key moment and we will be taking that into consideration in our preparations for the race," said Tanabe in the Honda press release.