Fresh from back-to-back victories at Monza and Baku, Max Verstappen arrives in Singapore with form on his side but not necessarily confidence.
Verstappen’s recent wins have thrust him back into the World Championship conversation, but the 27-year-old remains wary of the challenges posed by Singapore’s tight, twisty layout.
The Marina Bay Circuit, known for its punishing tyre wear and high-downforce demands, has historically been a stumbling block for Red Bull. Verstappen acknowledged this, noting that the team’s RB21 car has typically thrived in lower-downforce setups.
“Yeah, I mean, the two last races have been low downforce, low deg,” the four-time world champion.
“I think here it’s a lot harder on the tyres, high downforce, I’m not so sure that our car is the best at the high downforce setting. I think it’s always a bit better when you go to lower downforce. It just seems more efficient.
“So yeah, we have to wait and see. I mean, last year we were second, but quite a mile off, you know, trying to win the race. So hopefully we’ll be just more competitive.
“And I honestly don’t know what that means for us this weekend. We just have to wait.”
Cautious Optimism Amid McLaren’s Threat
Verstappen also drew comparisons to Zandvoort, another high-downforce track where Red Bull struggled earlier this season.
“And Zandvoort was high downforce, high deg. Yeah, I mean, we were not particularly strong there, so I hope it’s not going to be like that,” he admitted.
“But I do think with how we run the car that it will be a bit better. But I don’t know how much better.”
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With McLaren remaining the team to beat despite its disappointing display in Baku last time out, Verstappen’s cautious tone underscores the unpredictability of the weekend.
While he hasn’t ruled out a podium – or even a maiden Singapore victory – the Dutchman is bracing for a tough battle on the sweltering streets of Marina Bay.
For now, the championship contender is keeping his cards close, ready to adapt to whatever challenges are thrown his way.
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