The torrential rain that fell minutes before the start of the 2022 Formula 1 Monaco Grand Prix put the FIA in check, which decided to postpone the start until 1 hour and 5 minutes after the initial scheduled time. According to the federation, it was a delay caused by a problem in the electronic panel system on the grid, although it was also combined with the intention of not risking accidents.
Once the race started, Charles Leclerc retained the lead, with his teammate, Carlos Sainz and Sergio Pérez behind, while Max Verstappen was fourth. The Dutchman was forced to start from that position after Checo’s accident in qualifying on Saturday ruined the end of the session, making it very difficult for the reigning world champion to move up.
The possibility of entering the pits to mount the intermediates was present, and Red Bull bet with the Mexican to stop to try to cut time to the Ferrari, something that he achieved and that put him in the lead. Verstappen, meanwhile, was behind, with what was a twist later in all the decisions, as the team had its hopes pinned on the better-placed driver.
However, the father of the Dutchman and former Formula 1 player, Jos Verstappen, was not at all happy with the strategy of the Milton Keynes team, whom he accused of favoring his son’s partner at all times.
“Red Bull has achieved a good result, but at the same time they have not made an effort to help Max [Verstappen] to be a leader,” said the former Benetton, Arrows or Minardi driver, among others. “The fact that he finished third was due to a mistake by Ferrari, but the strategy they chose didn’t help him.
“I am disappointed that the team has put Checo [Perez]’s interests first this time,” Verstappen continued. “I would have preferred them to support Max, but of course, I’m not completely objective, and they took 10 points from him on that day.”
Last season’s world champion continues to lead the general standings with 125 points , which translates into a gap of 9 units with respect to his immediate pursuer, Charles Leclerc. However, his partner cut a considerable distance that puts him just one victory away from taking the lead.
“Max’s third place is very disappointing, we all saw that it was a difficult weekend for him. It starts with the car, which still doesn’t have the right characteristics for his driving style,” said his father.
“He has very little grip on the front end, and that is especially important in Monaco,” said the driver who came to participate in 107 grand prix and add two podiums in Formula 1.
