Max Verstappen surprised Nelson Piquet Jr after doing something he ‘never imagined’ at the Monaco Grand Prix

Max Verstappen fell short of challenging for a second Monaco Grand Prix victory in a row, after missing out in qualifying.

The Dutchman was granted some respite when Lewis Hamilton was penalised for impeding him during qualifying, promoting Verstappen to fourth on the grid and the second row.

But his start off the line was not as good as Oscar Piastri, who maintained third place for the rest of the race. Piastri was not happy with Verstappen, after he tried to overtake under double-waved yellow flags.

Verstappen led briefly, having extended his final stint, but this proved to be a bad strategy as it enabled those who lost time in the pits to gain their advantage back on the Dutchman.

Discussing the Dutchman’s form around the principality on the Pelas Pistas podcast, Nelson Piquet Jr said he was surprised when he saw Verstappen do one thing against Lando Norris.

Nelson Piquet Jr did not expect Max Verstappen to be so far off Lando Norris

Verstappen’s fastest lap in qualifying was a 1:10.669, which was seven tenths off Norris who set a new lap record around the Monaco street circuit.

Piquet was surprised, given that Verstappen has often produced better laps in qualifying, having beaten the McLarens to pole at Japan, Saudi Arabia, and Miami this season.

“Max’s last lap was a clean lap, but what surprised me was the six tenths gap between Max and Lando. We would never have imagined this,” said Piquet.

“I thought Monaco would be one of those tracks where Max would be able to close that gap, but six tenths is a lot.”

Max Verstappen drops 20 points back to Lando Norris

It was an off weekend for Verstappen, but it was consequential in the points standings for the Drivers’ Championship.

He went into the race just 10 points behind Norris after his brilliant victory in Imola, but now exits with a 20-point deficit.

Verstappen could close the gap if he manages to finish ahead of Norris at this weekend’s Spanish Grand Prix, although new rules could impact his chances.

Verstappen and Norris are tipped to be the two drivers who will be affected by the new front wing tests, which will see an increase in the static loads to prevent excessive flexing.