Formula 1 championship leader Max Verstappen says he expects Mercedes to bounce back in Azerbaijan and is aware that the title picture can change “very quickly.”
Verstappen claimed victory in Monaco for the first time in his career while championship rival Lewis Hamilton classified only seventh after struggling throughout the event.
It lifted Verstappen to the top of the standings, four points clear of Hamilton, while Sergio Perez’s fourth and Valtteri Bottas’ retirement enabled Red Bull to move a point ahead of Mercedes in the Constructors’ championship.
It marked the first time since mid-2018 that Mercedes has not headed the standings.
Verstappen reiterated that becoming championship leader “feels good” but cautioned that it is meaningless unless it is converted into a title.
“It was a very good weekend and of course I’ve never stood on the podium there before so it was very nice to get the win,” said the 23-year-old.
“Taking the lead in the championship feels good but we need to be there at the end of the final race, that’s all that matters.
“Where we are now feels good and of course it shows that we had a decent start to the year but we have to keep on pushing because we still need to improve and do better.
“Nobody is ever perfect or standing still in this sport. So far we have made the smallest mistakes but nothing major and that is why we are first at the moment but we all know it can change very quickly.”
Formula 1’s next round will take place around the streets of Azerbaijan’s capital, Baku, where Mercedes has been triumphant at three of the four grands prix held to date.
“The track is okay but probably not a favourite of mine if I’m honest,” said Verstappen.
“I’ve never been on the podium there so it’s time to change that. Let’s see how competitive we are, I do expect Mercedes to come back strong there though.”
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