To keep his record-breaking streak in Singapore this weekend, Formula One chief Max Verstappen might want to safe victory at a monitor he has by no means conquered earlier than.
Marina Bay is just not one of many 23 circuits the place Red Bull’s double world champion has stood on high of the rostrum and previous performances give hope to rivals keen to finish his domination.
Verstappen is on an unprecedented 10-race successful streak, however final yr, he completed seventh on the streets of Singapore whereas Mexican teammate Sergio Perez triumphed forward of the 2 Ferrari drivers.
“Singapore is probably going to be the most challenging weekend out of the upcoming races as the stakes are heightened on a street circuit and the field is usually very close, not to mention the heat and humidity,” mentioned Verstappen.
“Last year we had a very unlucky weekend, hopefully this year it will go a bit better.”
Perez can have fun his 250th F1 begin on Sunday by decreasing Verstappen’s 145-point lead with eight rounds remaining at a circuit the place passing is hard, the partitions are unforgiving and security automobiles are continuously deployed.
Qualifying is essential and the climate stories additionally level to some rain.
Not inconceivable
Red Bull, winners of each race this yr, can mathematically clinch the constructors’ crown in the event that they end one-two and Mercedes fail to attain, a state of affairs that appears unlikely however not inconceivable.
“It’s a street circuit; it’s one of the toughest on the calendar. We saw last year how perilous it can be, so we’ll do our best to keep this momentum running,” mentioned group boss Christian Horner.
“There are so many elements – whether it’s reliability, luck, strategy, a pitstop, pace, weather,” added the Briton. “You’ve obtained to remain on high of your recreation.
“One day, we’re going to get beaten; that’s inevitable. It’s just a question of when, and obviously, we want to make the when as far away as we can.”
The monitor has been shortened and modified as a consequence of ongoing development work, diminished from 23 corners to 19 with an extended straight that may make a faster lap and quicker race.
Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz was on the pole on the earlier spherical in Monza, whereas teammate Charles Leclerc began on the pole in Singapore final yr and so they might be Red Bull’s closest challengers.
“Like all street circuits, the driver can really make a big difference here,” mentioned Ferrari boss Fred Vasseur.
“We have done plenty of preparation work in the simulator and now the key will be for Carlos and Charles to do as many laps as possible in free practice to extract all the potential from the SF-23.”
Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton has received 4 occasions in Singapore and the group are hopeful of an excellent end result.
“The battle with our nearest competitors is incredibly close,” mentioned principal Toto Wolff.
“It’s hard to predict just how the order will shake out each weekend. Nonetheless, we typically perform better on high downforce tracks, so we’re hopeful of a competitive showing.”
Aston Martin can even hope to problem for the rostrum locations.
Source: www.dailysabah.com
