Missed start, failed overtaking… A “very frustrating” race for Verstappen

« It's very difficult to overtake on this circuit. It's a bit like Monaco where you have to try to do something in terms of strategy. I think it will be a pretty frustrating race for me where I might get stuck behind some cars. » Even before the start of the Singapore Grand Prix was given, Max Verstappen was already pessimistic about a possible comeback after his 8^e place in qualifying. In the end, the reigning world champion was indeed right.

Stuck in the soft underbelly on the starting grid, Max Verstappen probably took his worst start of the season with 4 places lost from the extinction thus falling to 12^e position at the end of the first round. If he was able to take advantage of an RB18 still performing as well to make up part of his delay, the Batavian shot himself in the foot when he attempted a daring overtake on Lando Norris shortly after switching to slicks and while part of the track was still wet. Falling last after having been forced to return to the pit lane, the driver Red Bull managed to go back to 7^e rank thus ending with 6 points. Not enough to have a smile when leaving Singapore to reach Japan where he can be crowned for the 2^e times in his career.

Verstappen tries his luck but shoots straight! 😳🌬️#SingaporeGP 🇸🇬 pic.twitter.com/ZPqc0ar37p

— CANAL+ F1® (@CanalplusF1) October 2, 2022

“I released the clutch and the anti-stall activated, explained the person concerned regarding his bad start before returning in more detail to his Grand Prix. So it makes sense that you lose a lot of places. From that moment on, you have to try to overtake people. I managed to pass a few but we soon found ourselves on a train. Everyone has their tires in pretty good temperature so it's difficult to keep up. 

We had a bit of luck with some drivers making mistakes. I was 5^e and I tried my luck for the 4^e place by overtaking Lando (Norris). As soon as I reached his height I braked, not even late, but I was surprised because I was already suffering with tailgating (…) It's not the place where I want to be but it started on Saturday. By putting yourself in a situation like this, it either works brilliantly and you get back on track or it's very frustrating like in our case. »

In difficulty in Singapore, Max Verstappen remains 104 points ahead of Charles Leclerc and 106 on Sergio Pérez. With a victory and the fastest lap in the race next weekend in Japan, he will secure his 2^e world title regardless of the results of his rivals.

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