The flying Dutchman has a mathematical probability to seal back-to-back world titles underneath lights across the spectacular and demanding Marina Bay avenue circuit.
Race winner Max Verstappen of the Netherlands and Oracle Red Bull Racing celebrates on the rostrum through the F1 Grand Prix of Canada at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve on 19 June 2022 in Montreal, Quebec. Picture: Clive Rose/Getty Images/AFP
SINGAPORE – Red Bull’s dominant Max Verstappen can clinch a second world championship when the Singapore Grand Prix returns this weekend after a three-year absence as a result of of Covid.
The flying Dutchman has a mathematical probability to seal back-to-back world titles underneath lights across the spectacular and demanding Marina Bay avenue circuit.
To achieve this, the 24-year-old should win the race – one thing he has by no means achieved in Singapore – and wishes his closest rivals to falter badly.
If that doesn’t occur, the championship battle will transfer on to the Japanese Grand Prix every week later. It appears to be like a case of when, not if.
“You need a bit of luck for that as well,” Verstappen instructed Sky Sports of retaining his crown in Singapore.
“I don’t think about it.”
Verstappen opened up a 116-point lead within the drivers’ standings over Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc following his victory on the Italian Grand Prix. He is 125 clear of third-placed Red Bull teammate Sergio Perez.
He wants to lengthen his lead to 138 factors by Sunday’s chequered flag to be topped with 5 races to spare – the earliest championship win since Michael Schumacher’s in 2002 with six GPs remaining.
Monza was Verstappen’s eleventh victory in 16 races of a probably record-breaking season.
He wants two extra wins to equal the single-season mark of 13 collectively held by Schumacher (2004) and Sebastian Vettel (2013).
“I want to go to Singapore and try to win that race as well,” Verstappen mentioned.
“We are having a great season, so we should really try and appreciate it and enjoy the moment.”
To take the title this weekend, he should win the race with Leclerc ending no greater than eighth or ninth – relying on who claims the additional level for the quickest lap – and Perez outdoors the rostrum locations.
Much will rely on Saturday evening’s qualifying for a grand prix that has been gained from pole place seven occasions in its final 11 runnings.
The evening race across the tight avenue observe affords valuable few overtaking alternatives and the stifling warmth and humidity present a check of stamina and reliability as a lot as driving skill.
Singapore’s local weather at all times carries a menace of rain-induced chaos, as occurred in 2017, when Vettel and Verstappen began on the entrance row solely to crash out earlier than the primary bend.
MERCEDES CHASE FERRARI
Red Bull additionally look certain to wrap up the constructors’ championship – though they will not achieve this in Singapore – however the race for second remains to be alive with Mercedes banking on a late-season revival to overtake early front-runners Ferrari.
The constant George Russell remains to be in mathematical rivalry for the drivers’ crown in his first Mercedes season, although a Verstappen victory would finish his hopes.
But the Silver Arrows are pushing onerous and are 35 factors behind Ferrari, who’ve suffered from a mix of reliability points and strategic blunders.
Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton has gained 4 occasions in Singapore, however Russell was cautious concerning the pair’s possibilities of ending the staff’s 2022 win drought.
“Singapore could be interesting,” mentioned Russell.
“But historically it’s a circuit where Mercedes have struggled a little bit.”
Ferrari had been buoyed by Leclerc’s second place at their dwelling race at Monza two weeks in the past and may assault Singapore with extra confidence.
“I think we made a step ahead,” mentioned staff principal Mattia Binotto.
Carlos Sainz minimize via the sphere to end fourth for Ferrari in Italy, along with his cost for a podium place scuppered solely by a late security automobile.
“It’s clear as well if you look at the other cars behind us, we made a step ahead,” mentioned Binotto.
This will likely be Singapore’s first grand prix for the reason that pandemic and indicators are that the city-state is relishing having racing again.
Authorities haven’t launched precise numbers, however ticket gross sales have already exceeded 2019, they are saying.