Formula One championship leader Max Verstappen, who has been on a remarkable winning streak, expressed concerns about the upcoming Singapore Grand Prix, acknowledging that his dominance might be threatened as his car is less competitive on the street circuit.
In the 2023 season, Verstappen's Red Bull team has been unbeatable, securing victories in all 14 races, with Verstappen himself taking the top spot 12 times. However, he admitted that the high downforce layout of the Singapore circuit would bring rivals Ferrari, Mercedes, and Aston Martin closer to his heels.
Verstappen, who could clinch his third consecutive world title at the Japanese Grand Prix, emphasised the importance of adaptability in Singapore, where every session presents unique challenges. He is determined to secure his first-ever victory on the Marina Bay track.
Last year, Verstappen's Red Bull teammate Sergio Perez won in challenging conditions, marked by a severe tropical storm that delayed the race start by over an hour. This weekend, Perez will mark his 250th grand prix start, becoming only the 11th driver in history to achieve this milestone. He recognised that a strong qualifying performance is vital on a track where overtaking is nearly impossible.
Ferrari and Mercedes see an opportunity to end Red Bull's season-long dominance, with Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc expressing confidence in their cars' performance on high-downforce tracks. However, Leclerc noted that there can be inconsistencies between teams in such conditions, and the skill of the driver can make a significant difference on a city track like Singapore.
The Singapore Grand Prix is expected to see quicker lap times this year due to construction work near the city-centre circuit, which has led to the removal of four 90-degree corners. The reduction in the total number of corners from 22 to 19 could benefit Mercedes, according to seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, who believes it will bring the teams closer together.
Despite his impressive winning streak, Verstappen maintains that he feels no additional pressure, emphasising his consistent focus on doing his best every race weekend. For him, the number of consecutive wins doesn't change the mindset he brings to each competition.
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