Formula One: Max Verstappen says Red Bull will be fast in Suzuka after Singapore Grand Prix stumble

Dutchman finishes fifth in race won by Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz, stretching overall lead to 151 points but not by enough to clinch title in Japan

‘It’s not easy. We didn’t get a few things right and then you’re on the back foot,’ the two-time champion says as record run of 10 wins in a row ends

Reading Time:2 minutes

Max Verstappen of Red Bull in action during the Singapore Formula One Grand Prix. Photo: EPA-EFE

Published: 11:01am, 18 Sep 2023

Max Verstappen’s record run of 10 wins in a row ended in Singapore on Sunday but the Formula One leader had no doubt his Red Bull would be back up to speed in Japan next weekend, and rivals agreed.

The Dutch 25-year-old finished fifth in a race won by Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz, still stretching his overall lead to 151 points but not by enough to clinch his third title in seven days’ time.

“I think we will be quick in Suzuka,” Verstappen told reporters after a race that also ended his team’s run of 15 successive wins.

“This track is so different to Suzuka, you can’t really relate. It should be good for our car. The track is always super-fun to drive so I hope as soon as we put the car on the track that it’s in a good window.”

Max Verstappen reacts following the Singapore Formula One Grand Prix at the Marina Bay circuit. Photo: AP

Verstappen started 11th on the longer-lasting hard tyres and was running in second place after the leaders pitted during a safety car period and before his subsequent stop dropped him back down the field.

“It was possibly the worst case scenario,” he said of how the safety car panned out. “It was exactly the wrong time to come out.