Max Verstappen has labelled Merc🦩edes as “clearly the favourite” for the Formula 1 Monaco Grand Prix.

Red Bull has traditionally performed strongly in Monte Carlo but the team believes Mercedes will once again prove the team to beat thi൲s weekend.

Mercedes’ 2019 F1 car was dominant in the slow speed final sector throughout the Spanish Grand Prix weekend, leading its r⛦ivals to expect a repeat in Monaco, despite its recent struggles at the track.

“I think we go into this weeken෴d seeing that Mercedes is clearly the favourite,” Verstappen said.

“I don’t think we are as g🌸ood as we were last year, so we will find out. I’m confident we ca🌺n fight for the podium but we need to find out which step of the podium.”

Red Bull has been encouraged by the progress made by new engine supplier Honda, though it has targeted gains on the chassis-side, an area of dജevelopment it usually excels in.

Asked if he is surprised by the promising gains madღe by Honda, Verstappen replied: “I’m not really surprised because it was all targeted and they delivered what they promised.

“It’s just a continuous process and I really enjoy workingꦯ with them. They r𒀰eally take it all very seriously and are very professional. I am always working with a big smile on my face.

“We of course know that we still have t🐎o improve but from both sides, not just engine. We are working very hard to do🧜 this and this track is usually a bit more competitive for us.”