After that race, Verstappen suggested the need to attack the kerbs in Canada could also prove problematic, although Red Bull will have the data and information from Monaco to try and find ways of addressing the issue.
The Dutchman insists it is an inherent trait of the car, though, and not a quick or easy fix, so there will be a lot of focus on how they perform in Friday practice, and the drivers’ comments after those first two sessions.
READ MORE: Horner calls on Red Bull to ‘understand weaknesses’ after challenging Monaco GP weekend
True title fights opening up
After the opening few rounds of the season it was tough to see there being much of a threat to Verstappen and Red Bull’s championships again this year, even if it was clear that the field had made progress in closing the gap.
Verstappen of course had a DNF in Australia that has hurt his points total, but such incidents are central to a championship situation and Charles Leclerc’s victory in Monaco has made a big dent in his advantage, with the gap between the two now 31 points.
That’s still more than a race win, but with Ferrari expected to be competitive again on the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve and McLaren also in the mix, if Red Bull’s issues (above) do limit their ability to score, another big chunk could be taken out of that margin. The potential was there and came to pass in Monaco, so it’s not unrealistic for it to be the case again this weekend, and Norris will also hope to close the gap a little more.