Following an emphatic win in the Principality, championship leader Max Verstappen insists that it's 'game on' for the title fight.

Valtteri Bottas' wheel nut nightmare aside, following the strategic own-goal with teammate Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes was set lose the lead in both championship for the first time in the hybrid era.

And while the war of words continues between Toto Wolff and Christian Horner - the Austrian suggesting that the forthcoming Grand Prix in Azerbaijan could see both teams protesting one another - Max Verstappen declares that, following a couple of false starts, it's game on for the championships.

"Actions always speak louder than words," declared the Dutchman, who got his post-race celebrations off to an early, enthusiastic start.

"I think that's a good lesson after this weekend," he added. "You know you have to talk on the track. That's what I like and yes, we, as a team, so far, made the smallest mistakes and that's why we are ahead. So I hope we can keep that going for the rest of the season.

"It's so special around here to win," he continued, "and also for me the first time on the podium here. I've never been on the podium, and then the first time in... straightaway a win!

"It's a bit of redemption for all the other races here because I never really had a lovely feeling on a Sunday here before," he admitted.

"You always want to win this Grand Prix," he grinned. "I remember when I was very little I was watching this Grand Prix, so when you're standing here I'm very proud.

"It's a lot of laps around here and you really have to keep your focus," he admitted. "You never know what's going to happen, but it was all about looking after your tyres and finding a good pit stop gap. The others pitted earlier so that made it a bit easier for me. They started to struggle with tyres and all the time we could increase the gap. So of course I'm very pleased with that.

"It was pretty much in control," he insisted. "Of course it always looks under control, but to keep your focus for so many laps, that's the hardest bit. It's easy to relax a bit when you are in the lead and it's easy to make a mistake. You have to keep reminding yourself to stay focussed, keep your thoughts on the road.

"Pace-wise it was very controlled, because all the time if somebody tried to push me a little bit in terms of lap times, we could answer and make the gap bigger.

"An amazing race," he concluded. "It was a good, smooth weekend overall I think, and this is a great boost for the whole team going forward."

Asked about the fact that he is now leading the championship for the first time (ever), the youngster remained philosophical.

"If it's there at the end of the season that would be great because it's still a long way to go," he said. "Of course it's great to bounce back after the last two races where of course the gap got bigger, but we still have to work hard because we know that Mercedes on normal tracks are still the ones to beat.

"Mostly I'm thinking ahead. It's still a very long season and of course this is again a great way to continue."

Check out our Sunday gallery from Monaco, here.

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READERS COMMENTS

1. Posted by kenji, 24/05/2021 23:53

"@ F1 Yank...my apologies for not suggesting what song should follow on from a bit of 'biffo and beers'. My choice would be 'Easy come East Go' sung by Eric Clapton [ a real Zeus like God of Gods in the pantheon of music] and the legendary JJ Cale. Epic...."

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2. Posted by kenji, 24/05/2021 23:46

"@ F1 Yank.... You are wondering what happened to Daniel Ricciardo? So is Daniel Ricciardo. It's a complete mystery to all I think. We know what he can do as the records are there for all to see. IMHO it's a combination of various things coming together and clouding the analysis. The car is looking to be somewhat mercurial. When the car is changing performances during a race other than what is normal then questions need to be asked as to why that is so especially when Norris is not experiencing the same characteristics. Hopefully the combined efforts of the team and Daniel himself will iron all this out soon. I am massively disappointed with the current situation...I cannot begin to understand how Ricciardo must feel!!!! The team appear to be getting behind him with the support that he needs so that is extremely positive. Dark times.....although Daniel did post the fourth fastest lap in Monaco!!!"

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3. Posted by kenji, 24/05/2021 23:37

"@ SLR.... Why am I not surprised when you play the race card? You need to expand your lexicon somewhat. By expressing a dissenting opinion, which is a democratic right, then having that same opinion labelled as 'hate' is a well known mantra purposed expressly to cover a total lack of reasoned argument/debate. My hate is reserved for the likes of people who detonate explosive vests in girls schools. I don't hate Hamilton, I just think that he's overhyped and subsequently deified by the reptilians which mostly inhabit the halls of the British media. Yes, he's a good driver but is he really the GOAT? Not in my little black book he isn't."

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4. Posted by Superbird70, 24/05/2021 18:41

"Well Ferrari was pretty quick just not very well assembled, and Bottas' car was so well assembled it wouldn't come apart. Hamilton seemed distracted, maybe by Russel wanting to settle his contract.
Monaco is a one off but the points count the same as everywhere else so it looks like we might have an interesting season. By the time Baku rolls around cast iron wings will be mandated, and more than a couple psychotherapists will have had a chat with some current F1 pilots. Enjoy the season you crazy kids."

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5. Posted by F1 Yank, 24/05/2021 16:11

"You guys are too funny! A brawl, a couple of beers and song (not sure which one.) should cure it! Ha ha!
I will admit that the Redbull/Honda looked pretty quick around Monaco! Hey Kenji, I am wondering what happened to RIC? "

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6. Posted by SexyLadyRacer, 24/05/2021 14:21

"@Kenji
If you found the truth funny then I would seriously suggest that you remember to take your meds,... all your meds including the black ones which you hate so much! "

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7. Posted by kenji, 24/05/2021 9:45

"@SLR... WOW, what amazing insight...that happens to be a slice of comedy gold. Roll on Baku."

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8. Posted by SexyLadyRacer, 24/05/2021 8:49

"Max Verstappen never had any real competition in the Race whatsoever with the best and most dominant Red Bull car this season with or without their flexible wings!
The Red Bull car is by far the best and fastest car on the F1 grid this season! This fact should be acknowledged by the media and fans now!

This season's F1 Championships are now for Max Verstappen and Red Bull to lose, unless either Driver or Team makes mistakes like in Bahrain, Portugal and Spain! "

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"Actions speak louder than words," declares Verstappen

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