‘I hope it will be a bit more similar to Imola’ – Verstappen hopeful he can bounce back from Monaco disappointment in Spain

Max Verstappen is looking to bounce back at the Spanish Grand Prix after a challenging Monaco weekend, hoping for a performance reminiscent of his dominant Imola victory. Red Bull's strategy in Monaco, which saw Verstappen staying out in hopes of a late Safety Car or red flag to avoid a second pit stop, ultimately backfired, dropping him to fourth after a late stop. While not disastrous, this allowed McLaren's Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris to gain ground in the Drivers' Championship, a stark contrast to his gains at Imola where he famously overtook Piastri for the lead. With three consecutive victories at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, Verstappen is keen to extend that streak to four. He acknowledges the stiff competition from other teams but remains optimistic about finding the right car balance to manage tire wear and push the limits. Historically, Barcelona has been a strong track for Verstappen, with four wins and only one retirement (in 2017) since his Red Bull debut in 2016, where he secured his maiden F1 victory. His comfort and enjoyment on the track, combined with the car's past competitiveness, contribute to his impressive statistics here.