Could there be a better venue for the team’s 250th grand prix start than F1’s party capital Monaco?
Home to glitz, glamour and a smidgen of the marvellously grotesque, there’s no better place to get your celebration on than the race around Port Hercule.
Aston Martin Red Bull Racing will celebrate their 250th F1 race at the Monaco Grand Prix, the scene of the team’s maiden podium finish back in 2006. Since then, the squad has gone on to win 56 races, 58 pole positions and four Drivers’ & Constructors’ titles, with Germany’s Sebastian Vettel. Mobil 1 The Grid recently sat down with Team Principal Christian Horner and driver Daniel Ricciardo to reflect on Red Bull’s Formula 1 journey so far.
The added bonus is that both our drivers love the place. Daniel returns to his second home grand prix on the back of a Principality podium last year and Max heads to Monaco fresh from his first taste of champagne this season, in Barcelona a fortnight ago. Here’s why the boys reckon we can master Monaco on our 250th.
DANIEL RICCIARDO
Monaco: should we just hit record, back away and let the tape run?
Ha! Yeah, Monaco is my favourite race of the year because it creates the most adrenaline and excitement. The circuit is insane; I don’t want to say that we shouldn’t race cars on it because we should and it’s the best thing ever, but it’s crazy to think we race around the streets so close to the walls like we do.
Is there a specific aspect you love?
The whole atmosphere: there’s a lot of intensity and the risk and reward is the best of the year. Hopefully, I’ll also get some redemption. Tabac and the swimming pool, I love all of that. Turns 12, 13 and 14, over the kerbs and pretty much the end of the second sector and the start of the third – that’s my favourite bit. The encouraging thing from Barcelona is that we were quick in the third sector and that is probably the closest to Monaco, so hopefully that shows what we can do.”
MAX VERSTAPPEN
You’ve hit the button marked ‘good form’ at exactly the right moment for the team’s 250th race?
It was great to be back on the podium in Barcelona and our car was very strong in the last sector there, which is mainly low-speed corners, and what we need for Monaco. I also had a really positive test in Barcelona this week and hope for a good weekend in Monaco if we can find the right set-up. Monaco also doesn’t have any long straights, so I think it should be a good circuit for us.
Daniel’s passionate about the whole Monaco vibe. Do you feel the same?
It is a nice weekend in general and also very good to sleep in your own apartment, it’s a busy week but also a special week. The track is of course very challenging but I will enjoy it even more knowing that we have a chance of a good result.
