Verstappen will “need a lot of luck” to be titled in Singapore

Modest or simply realistic? Max Verstappen, comfortable leader of the championship with 116 points ahead of Charles Leclerc, could obtain a second consecutive coronation this weekend, in Singapore. The Dutchman prefers not to get too far ahead. According to the reigning world champion, the main objective is first victory on the Marina Bay circuit before even believing in the world crown. “I don’t really think about it. This is a fairly distant goal. I just want to enjoy the weekend and, of course, try to win, declared the Batavian in the mixed zone in Singapore. Besides, I need a lot of luck for it to happen here, so I'm not really counting on it..."

The pilot Red Bull, who has outrageously dominated this 2022 season, could achieve an exceptional performance in the event of a title in Singapore. If he becomes champion in the island city-state, with 6 Grands Prix remaining in the season, he will become the second-earliest driver crowned in a season. Formula 1, behind Schumacher in 2002 (titled 7 GP from the end). 

« Suzuka will be my first real opportunity” for the title announces Verstappen

Statistics to which Max Verstappen does not want to compare himself. According to him, a coronation in Singapore is very unlikely and Japan would represent a more realistic opportunity. “I think Suzuka will be my first real opportunity to win the title. So I'm looking forward to being in Singapore right now, but I'm also really excited for next week. » Max Verstappen could also break a few records by the end of the season. With 6 Grands Prix remaining on the calendar, the Dutchman is still in the running to beat two: that of the number of victories in a season (13, Hag in 2013 and Schumacher in 2004) and that of the number of consecutive victories in a season (9, Vettel in 2013).  

Before thinking about records, Verstappen will first try to achieve a victory that has eluded Red Bull since 2013, in the streets of Singapore. Once again favorite to climb to the top of the podium at Marina Bay, the reigning champion especially wanted to thank his team for the current campaign. “It’s a really special season and I’m enjoying it a lot, but I’ll probably enjoy it more after the season, commented Verstappen, who celebrates his 25th birthday this Friday. “What we did as a team in general, after the difficulties we had at the start of the year, to then turn things around... the car was heavily overloaded, so making sure it came back in a window competitive today is fantastic. »

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