The iconic street circuit of Monte Carlo has always been a coveted win for any Formula 1 driver, with its narrow, winding roads and unforgiving barriers. But this year's race was made even more challenging by the arrival of rain, turning the usually processional race into a thrilling battle for survival.
Verstappen, who started on pole position, got off to a good start and maintained his lead throughout the early stages of the race. But as the rain started to fall on lap 52, his grip on victory began to slip.
This year so far, Max has won 4 out of 6 races. 🤯 pic.twitter.com/sLctv2yTrZ
— Oracle Red Bull Racing (@redbullracing) May 28, 2023
Verstappen struggled to keep his car on the track as the wet conditions made it difficult to find traction. But he managed to hold on until lap 55, when he made a crucial pit stop to switch to intermediate tyres.
Alonso had a chance to take the lead if he had committed to intermediates before Verstappen, but his team opted for slicks initially, which proved to be a costly mistake. By the time Alonso returned to the pits for intermediates on lap 56, Verstappen had already built up a significant lead.
Another podium! P2 🏆 in Monaco!!!!
— Fernando Alonso (@alo_oficial) May 28, 2023
So happy after a difficult race, specially with the rain at the end!
Thank you Thank you Thank you Thank you Thank you Thank you Thank you Thank you Thank you Thank you Thank you Thank you Thank you Thank you Thank you 💚💚@AstonMartinF1 !!! pic.twitter.com/HQ4AJa26Jw
From then on, Verstappen controlled the race with ease, managing his tyres and keeping his car away from the barriers. He crossed the finish line with a commanding lead of 28 seconds over second-placed Alonso, securing his fourth win of the season and extending his lead in the championship standings.
But Verstappen's victory was far from easy. The treacherous conditions caught out several drivers, including Lance Stroll who crashed out after damaging his front wing. Verstappen himself had a heart-stopping moment on lap 55 when he got caught on slick tyres in the rain and had to use the barriers to slow himself down at Portier.
The Dutch driver's win was also made more impressive by the fact that his teammate Sergio Perez started last after crashing in qualifying and struggled to make up ground throughout the race, finishing in 16th place.
But Verstappen wasn't the only driver to shine in the wet conditions. Esteban Ocon took a memorable podium for Alpine, holding off Lewis Hamilton's Mercedes in the closing stages of the race. Ocon started third after an impressive qualifying performance and held his nerve under pressure from the seven-time world champion.
George Russell also put in an impressive performance, securing fifth place ahead of Hamilton despite a five-second penalty for causing a collision with Perez.
“I couldn’t see anything” 🙈
— Formula 1 (@F1) May 28, 2023
Contact between Perez and Russell as the Briton rejoins the track at Mirabeau 💥😮#MonacoGP #F1 pic.twitter.com/eaUhH78Pfy
Charles Leclerc, the hometown hero, had a disappointing race, finishing where he started in sixth place after being penalized for blocking Lando Norris in qualifying.
Overall, the Monaco Grand Prix delivered on its reputation as one of the most challenging races on the calendar, with the added drama of rain making it even more unpredictable. But it was Verstappen who emerged as the master of the streets of Monte Carlo, proving once again why he is one of the most talented drivers on the grid.
