Max Verstappen isn’t taking a Red Bull challenge for granted at this weekend’s Singapore Grand Prix.
After two power circuits at Spa and Monza, in theory, the twisty streets of Marina Bay should suit the RB15, enabling the Dutchman to take the fight to Lewis Hamilton.
However, Verstappen notes that while the opportunity is likely greater to add to his two wins, he and Red Bull still need to perform.
“Sometimes you think a track is not ideal and then you win the race, sometimes you have to be a bit lucky for that and sometimes you are just very quick,” he said on Thursday.
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“I expect to have a good weekend, but still, there are no guarantees. There are a lot of things you need to get right in qualifying as well, but in general throughout the whole weekend, to find a good set-up.
“Around here, with daytime practice and back into the night, you can get caught out with the settings. There are still a lot of things to get right before we can talk about having a really good result.”
The main factor is expected to be the performance of Honda, with the Japanese engine supplier not ruling out the power cuts which impacted Verstappen at Monza.
Also, given the lack of overtaking opportunities, getting a good start is essential and that has been another weakness for Red Bull and Honda.
“I’ll guess we’ll find out,” Verstappen said on there had been any improvement.
“We always try to do the best we can as a team, within Red Bull and of course Honda, we work well together to get better at it, it’s something we know we have to improve.
“It’s also not an easy fix, but it’s not always been bad. We’ve had a few starts which haven’t been ideal and they have been highlighted but sometimes you have had starts which are good enough so I don’t put too much pressure on it.”