Red Bull drivers have measured goals

Red Bull should have a lot of difficulty getting involved in the fight for victory in Singapore this weekend. Despite the engine evolution brought by Renault in Monza (Italy) two weeks earlier, Max Verstappen continues to blame the lack of performance of the French bloc.

“Realistically, we have less power than last year (on this same track). In 2017, we conceded around three tenths per lap to Sebastian (Hag) to qualifications. So it will be complicated. But it is certain that we will attack as much as possible to extract all the capabilities of the car and the engine., explains the Dutchman.

In free practice, we will be well placed. But as soon as they (Ferrari et Mercedes) will start their engine in Q2 and Q3, it will be much more difficult. » Max Verstappen set the second fastest time in testing last year, but retired at the first corner after the famous pile-up involving the two Ferraris.

A night race on a street circuit in sauna like conditions. The toughest race of the year. Ready for the challenge! #UnleashTheLion #KeepPushing #SingaporeGP pic.twitter.com/XIMfyVtIBt

- Max Verstappen (@ Max33Verstappen) September 14, 2018

His teammate Daniel Ricciardo wants to be more optimistic, he who has not experienced the taste of victory since Monaco last May. “It’s been a little too long since my last success, I forgot the effect it gives”, laughs the Australian.

Would the future leader of the Renault team have adapted his speech to his future employer? Still, according to him, “the podium represents a minimum objective”. “  Of course we have good chances on this circuit. I don't want to say that we are going to win. Let's see what happens because the new version of the engine (the “Spec C”) gave me satisfaction. »

Daniel Ricciardo certainly remembers the series of successes established by Sebastian Vettel between 2011 and 2013 on this city track. But since the transition to the V6 Turbo Hybrid in 2014, the advantage of the Anglo-Austrian team has faded to make way for the Ferraris and, to a lesser extent, the Mercedes.

Crackin' up ahead of the #SingaporeGP Getting our claws into Singapore https://t.co/fnq416IUwC #F1 pic.twitter.com/oPKB16lb39

- Red Bull Racing (@redbullracing) September 13, 2018

“I believe Ferrari will be in front because they have a better package than the others. The Mercedes are not going to be slow, but if we compare the performances of the two teams in Singapore, Ferrari has a slight advantage."