Verstappen heads 'home' to face McLaren challenge at F1 Monaco GP

Boosted by the updates package that brought him his 65th victory for Red Bull, at Imola last Sunday, Verstappen confirmed he is a contender for a fifth title this year despite McLaren's early-season domination

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Defending four-time champion Max Verstappen heads 'home' this weekend with renewed confidence in his car and team, but aware of the pitfalls ahead at this weekend's 71st Monaco Grand Prix.

Boosted by the updates package that brought him his 65th victory for Red Bull, at Imola last Sunday, Verstappen confirmed he is a contender for a fifth title this year despite McLaren's early-season domination.

He won with ease at the Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari to move within 22 points of championship leader Oscar Piastri and just nine away from Lando Norris in the other McLaren. He will now be hoping for more of the same at F1's most fabled and glamorous event.

But the two-time winner of the Mediterranean principality’s often-processional harbourside street race knows that rule changes and the unique challenge of Monte Carlo, where he has a penthouse apartment at one’s throw from many of the other drivers, offer something unique to any other circuit.