Red Bull’s Max Verstappen says his previous crashes at the Monaco Grand Prix won’t affect his confidence when he returns to the streets of the Principality next weekend.
Verstappen last year crashed out of the race at Massenet, having started from the back of the grid after clipping the barrier exiting Piscine during the first segment of qualifying.
Verstappen also crashed out of his first Monaco Grand Prix, while competing for Toro Rosso, after colliding with Romain Grosjean on the approach to Sainte Devote in 2015.
“There is no such thing as a low risk lap in Monaco, it doesn’t exist if you want to be fast because you have to be on the limit,” he said.
“Last year’s crash was very unfortunate but it doesn’t affect my confidence heading back there, it just makes me want to do better this year and learn from my mistakes.
“We still have a lot to learn from the car in terms of setup as it is always developing and we haven’t driven it on a tight street circuit yet.”
Team-mate Daniel Ricciardo claimed his maiden pole position at last year's event and led in wet conditions, before embarking on a scrap with Lewis Hamilton as the circuit dried.
Ricciardo looked set to triumph until a slow pit stop cost him crucial time, aiding Hamilton's path to victory, and the Australian insists he is not stewing on the outcome of the 2016 race.
“Last year was disappointing for me as I felt we definitely had the win on the cards,” he commented.
“I am old enough and mature enough now to put that behind me and be able to look forward to racing there, and take back what I felt I lost last year.
“I don’ think I could have gone any quicker in my pole lap. Personally I felt it went really well, one of the best laps I have ever done.”
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