Max Verstappen’s weekend will only be successful if he gains ground in the championship, he stated on Thursday in Singapore. With his closest rival, Lando Norris, starting from pole position, this might mean that only a race win will suffice. A hopeless mission, given recent events? Not at all, because a determined Max Verstappen is worth two, and the RB20 is also faster than expected.
The Red Bull car pleasantly surprised this weekend at the Marina Bay Street Circuit. On Friday, there were significant problems and concerns for both Verstappen and the team. However, by Saturday, it was clear they had gotten things under control. “It’s been a long time since I felt this good in the car,” the Dutchman said late Saturday evening after the qualification. You know, the one with a ‘personal’ press conference afterwards.
Verstappen made an important point there; he wanted to show the FIA how much he disagreed with the penalty he received this week for his language. An exaggerated punishment, one would think everyone would agree. But either way: it spurs him on. The provoked Verstappen looks sharp, making him a dangerous challenger for Norris in the race. For the first time since 2018, the Dutchman is starting from the front row in Singapore.
Potential for Safety Car and Sudden Rainfall
Who would have thought this a few days ago? Probably no one. Let’s face it: Norris is still driving the fastest car, even after the rear wing saga around McLaren. A victory seems likely on paper. However, in practice, anything can happen in Singapore: a safety car phase is almost a certainty on this street circuit, if not, there’s always a Virtual Safety Car. A sudden Asian downpour can never be ruled out, and then there’s also a provoked Max Verstappen on the front row? It only differs by one ‘a’, but still: the sting might be in the start rather than the tail today.
Strategy Attempts by Hamilton, Russell, and Piastri
Men like Lewis Hamilton, but also George Russell and Oscar Piastri are on the lookout to perhaps try something with strategy. This will certainly apply to Ferrari, where things went downhill on Saturday with P9 and P10 in qualifying. Charles Leclerc is not happy with the driving behavior, Carlos Sainz crashed in qualifying; a drama weekend unfolds before the eyes of team boss Fred Vasseur. In terms of strategy, there is little to achieve in advance. A one-stop is the most logical for almost all drivers on the grid.
Ricciardo’s Last Race?
There are more storylines to watch out for in the race, but especially for the fans of Daniel Ricciardo, we’ll pick that one out. Enjoy it, because it won’t surprise anyone in the paddock if today’s race is the last in Formula 1 for the cheerful Australian. And if not, it is expected to be his last season. That will become clear soon, as an announcement about the future of Liam Lawson – and therefore that of Ricciardo – is imminent.
Additional Information
- The GP of Singapore has been on the Formula 1 calendar since 2008.
- The circuit, which has 19 turns, is 4.94 kilometers long.
- The race consists of 62 laps.
- The start is at 12.00 UTC.
