Verstappen’s Pre-F1 Singapore GP comments revealed cautious optimism following two consecutive race victories. He addressed concerns about high downforce performance and championship expectations at Marina Bay.
Expectations after consecutive victories
When asked about expectations following two consecutive victories, Verstappen’s Pre-Singapore GP outlook remained cautiously optimistic. The Dutchman acknowledged the unique challenges that await at the high downforce circuit.
“Yeah, I mean, the two last races have been low downforce, low deck,” Verstappen explained. “I think here, you know, 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.”
He reflected on last year’s performance at the circuit. Verstappen secured second place, but victory remained out of reach.
“I mean, last year we were second, but quite a mile off, you know, trying to win the race,”he said, acknowledging the 20-second gap to race winner Lando Norris. “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.“
High downforce circuit concerns
Addressing whether recent high downforce struggles at circuits such as Budapest might repeat themselves, Verstappen’s Pre-Singapore GP commentary included a frank assessment of Red Bull’s recent difficulties.
Before answering, Verstappen made sure to mention his home track. “And Zandvoort was high downforce, high deck.”
“Yeah, I mean, we were not particularly strong there, so I hope it’s not going to be like that. 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,” he stated.
Taking it race by race
Verstappen’s Pre-Singapore GP media session touched on the shift from last year’s dominant championship lead. Asked about taking it race by race and whether he’s enjoyed the last seven races with nothing to lose, Verstappen acknowledged the contrast. Last year at this stage, he held a 59 point advantage while McLaren dominated. The situation proved far more stressful than his current position.
“Yeah, like you said, nothing to lose, really,” he said. “I mean, as a team, we just approach it like that. We try to do the best we can and try to be more competitive, try to hopefully confirm that the direction we took with the car is more competitive also on a track like this. And that’s what we hope will happen. And then we’ll see what happens from here on onwards.“
The F1 championship outlook
Verstappen was pressed on his F1 championship winning percentage after other drivers gave their opinions. Verstappen’s Pre-Singapore GP comments included a simple assessment.
“50 percent,” he said. “Because I do or I don’t.”
Team morale and renewed optimism
Discussing whether recent victories have energized the team, Verstappen’s Pre-Singapore GP discussion revealed renewed optimism within Red Bull. However, Verstappen also maintained perspective on the situation.
“Some individuals more, yeah,” he acknowledged. “But honestly, it doesn’t change anything. We are just very happy that we found the last two races much more positive for how the behaviour of the car was.”
He reflect on how unexpected the turnaround has been after difficult races earlier in the season.
“And honestly, after a race like Hungary or even Zandvoort, it didn’t look too great to win more races than you win two in a row,” Verstappen continued. “So even if we can win a few more, it would be nice. If that means that we didn’t win the championship, then so be it, right? I don’t think anyone is too focused on one single goal. But yeah, we just try to do the best we can.“
He then touched on Red Bull’s position in the constructors’ standings. Verstappen noted that the team can make some progress especially due to their current position and points gap.
“But also at the same time, in the constructors, there might be some places to gain, because we’re not too far away from second there,” he explained. So that’s also something that we want to look at.“
