Verstappen takes aim at Hamilton and Mercedes after Monaco GP win

Max Verstappen believes his Monaco Grand Prix victory proved that "actions always speak louder than words" as his F1 title fight with Lewis Hamilton scaled new heights.

For the first time in his six-year F1 career, Verstappen leads the drivers' standings as he enjoyed an 18-point swing in the standings, leaving Monaco with a four-point lead over Hamilton after trailing by 14 going into the sport's blue-riband event.

Hamilton had claimed pre-race that Verstappen still "has a lot to prove", while he is "not in the same boat" after winning seven titles over the years.

While there is obviously a long way to go in the championship, Verstappen and Red Bull at least underlined their title credentials with a dominant triumph.

Asked as to the importance of the weekend in the championship race, in particular given how badly Hamilton and Mercedes performed, Verstappen's response appeared to be a sly dig at the Briton and his team.

"Well, first of all, actions always speak louder than words," remarked Verstappen.

"That’s a good lesson after this weekend. You know you have to talk on the track. That’s what I like.

"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."

Mercedes has edge 'on normal tracks'

Verstappen is under no illusion, however, the battle with Hamilton is likely to be see-saw throughout as each track plays to the strengths of the teams' cars.

Assessing seeing his name at the top of the drivers' standings for the first time, the 23-year-old added: "If it’s there at the end of the season, that would be great.

"There is a long way to go. Of course, it’s great to bounce back after the last two races where the gap got bigger.

"We still have to work hard because we know Mercedes, on normal tracks, are the ones to beat.

"But a good, smooth weekend overall, and this is a great boost for the whole team going forward."

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