Max Verstappen retired from the 2026 Monaco Grand Prix after mechanical issues on the opening lap. The incident prompted online comparisons to Kimi Raikkonen's 2006 retirement at the same event.
Verstappen started from second on the grid but encountered engine problems during the formation lap. He described the issues in detail after the race, noting that the engine failed to reach its target RPM and eventually cut out completely. The Dutch driver managed to move his car aside before the field passed but recorded his second DNF of the season. Instead of remaining with his team, he returned to his boat, an action that drew immediate attention on social media. A side-by-side image comparing Verstappen barefoot on his yacht with Raikkonen relaxing in a hot tub after his 2006 McLaren fire went viral, gaining over 108,000 views. Kimi Antonelli won the race for Mercedes, extending his winning streak to five consecutive events.
