No excuses from Verstappen after crash rules him out of Monaco qualy
Tuesday 11 December 2018 12:16, UK
Max Verstappen has admitted he was to blame for the crash which prevented him from taking part in qualifying for the Monaco GP.
"I have to look at myself, l made a mistake," the Red Bull driver acknowledged after congratulating team-mate Daniel Ricciardo on his pole position.
On a weekend when Red Bull possess a clear pace advantage over Mercedes and Ferrari, Verstappen missed qualifying after slamming into the barriers during Practice Three.
Verstappen starts last in Monaco
Ricciardo storms to stunning pole
"This was my mistake," Verstappen conceded. "I got caught off guard [by a slower car] but that's not an excuse and I hit the wall."
It was the sixth time in as many races this year when Verstappen has either spun or hit another car, but the Dutchman insisted to reporters he had only been at fault "here and in China" - where he collided with Sebastian Vettel.
"I wouldn't call Barcelona an incident. Together with China, this was mistake. Of course it's not what you like to happen but it happens."
Asked to explain his run of incidents, Verstappen said: "At the moment l can't. Here in Monaco it is very easily done compared to other tracks."
Verstappen's latest problem occurred after he encountered a slowing-down Carlos Sainz, clipped the inside wall at the Swimming Pool chicane, lost control of his car and careered into the barriers.
When the Red Bull team detected a leak in his gearbox when rebuilding his car, Verstappen was forced to sit out qualifying and will start Sunday's race from last - 20 positions behind team-mate Daniel Ricciardo.
Compounding Verstappen's frustration is the likelihood of further prolonged punishment in a race where overtaking will be especially difficult around the tight confines of Monaco.
"You normally can't overtake here but l will just try to have an enjoyable race from the back."
Referring to Red Bull's car superiority and the probability he will not be able to capitalise on it due to his error: "That makes it more painful. It's a mistake and you pay the price but in Monaco it's a bit bigger."
