Three things we learnt from the rain-hit Monaco Grand Prix

Max Verstappen confirmed he has the determination to clinch a third straight drivers' title with a convincing triumph in Sunday's rain-hit Monaco Grand Prix.

Fernando Alonso mounted a fierce challenge in his Aston Martin, but he could not stop Red Bull's defending double-world champion from extending his series lead.

AFP Sport looks at three things we learnt from an intriguing 80th running of the classic Mediterranean street circuit contest:

Verstappen shows his courage

The 25-year-old Dutchman demonstrated on Sunday that he has the raw courage to rise to any challenge.

His speed and skill on worn medium tyres when he prolonged his first stint to resist the chasing Alonso demonstrated supreme concentrated talent.

Verstappen managed his pace and his brushes with the barriers to build a margin that ensured victory, despite the arrival of a rainstorm.

READ: 'What a super weekend' - Top 3 finishers react to daunting Monaco Grand Prix

"We had enough margin that, even if five or six seconds off the pace, we'd still have been three or four up the road," said Red Bull team boss Christian Horner.

"But you have to take your hat off to Fernando this weekend. I thought Max and he were outstanding. The rest of the field were a long way behind."

"It was great to see Fernando's confidence and the way he's driving. He and Max are very similar - in the way they drive and how tenacious they are. They are always pushing. You can see how they enjoy the fight."

In response to the challenge, Verstappen took his car to the edge.

"I clipped the walls a few times," he said. "It was super difficult out there, but that's it. That's Monaco."

Against a dogged opponent, Verstappen, on torn tyres, did not back down.

Veteran Alonso plays the long game

At 41,