After nearly two years of sheer dominance, Red Bull are finally showing signs of tumbling down the pecking order at the Singapore Grand Prix. Indeed, the expectations around Max Verstappen and Co. weren’t necessarily high, heading into the weekend at Marina Bay amidst the FIA’s latest regulation tweaks; several analysts expected a marginal loss of pace for Red Bull and possibly Mercedes.
However, the three crucial practice sessions have clearly revealed that the situation is far worse than imagined for the Milton Keynes Outfit. Both Red Bull drivers have been struggling with the rear caused by rigorous sliding and Verstappen couldn’t really help but complain about it over the team radio.
Indeed, one would have anticipated Red Bull to resolve their issues overnight and return stronger for the third and final practice session. But, shockingly enough, neither Verstappen nor his teammate Sergio Perez seemed too comfortable driving the RB19 even after the night’s work in the garage.
📻 Max Verstappen on the radio:
“I’m sorry, but I cannot drive with these upshifts. What the f*ck is this? Unacceptable.” #F1 #SingaporeGP pic.twitter.com/o9TkA3kocu
— RBR Daily (@RBR_Daily) September 16, 2023
Hence, the one big question that’s being asked is whether Verstappen can keep his rivals behind during the qualifying session. While Red Bull are looking a bit lost, both Ferrari drivers have produced a dominant display through the practice sessions, subsequently marching into qualifying as favorites for the pole position.
Here’s what Max Verstappen said during FP3 at Singapore GP
Verstappen was no happy man during the final practice session, and of course, why wouldn’t he be? Red Bull failed to deliver their usual magic this time around, placing the two drivers well under pressure from the Ferrari duo, Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz. Amidst such an exhilarating duel on the cards, the Dutchman had some harsh reactions on the team radio.
📻 Max Verstappen on the radio:
“I’m just struggling for rear grip. You see that last sector, I’m just drifting. I think if I’m going to compete in drifting, I might win the race.”
💀💀#F1 #SingaporeGP pic.twitter.com/OHdtMmg1cX
— RBR Daily (@RBR_Daily) September 16, 2023
“I’m sorry, but I cannot drive with these upshifts. What the f*ck is this? Unacceptable,” he said. Soon after, Verstappen also acknowledged the extreme sliding with a cheeky comment on the team radio. The two-time world champion hilariously said, “I’m just struggling for rear grip. You see that last sector, I’m just drifting. I think if I’m going to compete in drifting, I might win the race.”
Overall, by the looks of it, Red Bull looks sandwiched between Ferrari and Mercedes, with McLaren also seeking a way into the fight for pole. Hence, with a three-way battle possibly on the cards, are the fans in for what could be one of the most unpredictable race weekends of this season? Only time will tell.
