Despite low expectations, Verstappen finds reasons for optimism as Red Bull delivers a better-than-expected performance in Singapore.
After the Singapore Grand Prix, the gap between Lando Norris and Max Verstappen has narrowed further: it is now 52 points.
Max Verstappen can still finish 2nd in every race to secure his new title… but the momentum is no longer on his side.
The drivers’ title remains in sight for the Red Bull racer, who could pull ‘a Nico Rosberg 2016’ by securing 2nd places.
Max Verstappen’s goal today, therefore, is to secure his 4th consecutive title…
“Yes, it is…”
And perhaps the upgrades in Austin will enable a shift in terms of outright performance!
“Generally, McLaren is stronger right now, but that can also change very quickly.”
The three-time world champion won seven of the season’s first ten races, but that streak abruptly ended, and he hasn’t won since Spain.
Max Verstappen finished just a pit stop behind Lando Norris, who was unstoppable in Singapore… Is Max frustrated or worried?
“We just have to keep trying. Of course, we are not happy with this second place, so now we need to try to improve more and more. That’s all we can do – try to reverse the trend, not always finish behind.”
“I just tried to do my best, manage my pace until the end. I think it was just my race, alone with myself.”
“The first stint was tough for us, a lot of tire degradation. The second stint with the hard tires went better. I felt more comfortable.”
“It’s hard to attack in the corners. At the entry and exit of each corner, we lose speed. I lost a lot of time like that, and the bumps and curbs also slow us down significantly.”
“I would say it was towards the end, in the last laps, that the car felt a bit better. But overall, it was quite a solitary race for me.”
Max Verstappen joked in the ‘cool room’, saying he thought Norris was going to lap him. Was it really a joke?
“Of course, it was a joke, but I’m not surprised. Lando had an excellent race, and he definitely had a great weekend.”
However, the Grand Prix was much less challenging than expected for Red Bull, especially after the free practice sessions.
“It was a weekend where we knew we would struggle. Second place was the best we could hope for since we managed to keep one of the McLarens behind us.”
“Compared to the start of the weekend, we improved a lot. That’s very positive for us as a team, on a circuit where we know we’re not usually the best.”
“In terms of settings, we took a different direction, but it might give us some ideas for the future. It was a big change, but the biggest of the year? I don’t know, it’s always hard to say.”
Is the constructors’ title already lost for Red Bull?
While the drivers’ title is still achievable for Max Verstappen, the constructors’ title is slipping away from Red Bull, which now trails McLaren F1 by 40 points. Has the Dutchman written off this title?
“We’re focusing on performance. If the car is fast, then naturally both championships become easier to achieve.”
Will the upgrades in Austin allow Red Bull to make up ground on McLaren F1?
“Time will tell,” concludes Max Verstappen, always succinct, who thus did not give lengthy answers in the press conference!
- You may also like>McLaren F1 Accuses Red Bull and RB F1 of Collusion for Fastest Lap in Race
- Also make sure you follow us on social media>Facebook and>Twitter
Red Bull Surprises with Strong Finish in Singapore Red Bull Surprises with Strong Finish in Singapore
