High praise for Verstappen: 'I don't see any weaknesses with him'

Red Bull rubbing their hands with Verstappen

If it is up to Monaghan, Red Bull is very lucky that Verstappen is still with the Austrian team. According to the Englishman, the three-time world champion's driving style is almost unmatchable. "My interpretation is that he can really take the corners at the limit. Some find the peak in the corner, but then have to undercut in easy terms," Monaghan reveals in the F1 podcast Beyond the Grid. "His resolution of racing is really phenomenal."

From Barcelona 2016, Monaghan was already impressed with Verstappen

When the 18-year-old Verstappen was transferred to Red Bull in the middle of the season in 2016, there was much surprise in the paddock. But from the first free practice session, Monaghan was convinced the young man was talented. "I remember well when he joined us when Nico (Rosberg) and Lewis (Hamilton) drove each other off. I was still worried about the mess on the track, but we got on. But what a cool guy, my goodness. He just had no pressure," Monaghan recounted admiringly. "Kimi (Raikkonen) was breathing down his neck the whole time. But he managed to get laps ahead of him on the straight and then completely recharge the battery. Incredibly impressive," Monaghan added.

Verstappen owes his successes not only to his talent but also to his mental health, Monaghan believes. "When you start talking about Max, you see relaxation. His inner strength is phenomenal. A kind of mythical weapon, nothing can throw him off. His confidence has only increased. In 2021 with Lewis it was fierce, but after that, nothing has been able to drive him mad. And now he is one of the very best."