Max Verstappen believes Red Bull can challenge Mercedes and Ferrari for victory at a circuit which should play to the strengths of the RB13.
The Bulls have spent much of the 2017 season a distant third in the pecking order, but arrive in Singapore in confident mood after a good showing at Monza two weeks ago.
The team are notoriously strong in the chassis department and so should excel on the tight and twisty circuit. Back in Monaco, where downforce is critical, they were second quickest as Mercedes struggled for pace.
An optimistic Verstappen says the team have only improved since and expects to be in contention come Sunday.
“If we look to Monaco where our car was not as good as it is now, we were already competitive, especially in the race,” the Dutchman said. “So I am definitely looking forward to the weekend. We can be strong. But we need to get the setup right.
“I really think we can be a threat. A lot of corners always suit us more and street circuits as well, and not too many straights, that is perfect.”
Teammate Daniel Ricciardo, who snatched Red Bull’s solitary victory in Azerbaijan, sent a warning to his team earlier this week regarding his future with the team but insists they are on an upward trajectory.
“We want to win, and win more,” he said. “We’ve fortunately got one this year… I believe we can win another. Then obviously next year to start accumulating more and fight for a title, that’s what we really want.
“We’re certainly going in that direction, particularly since if I look back [to the first race in] Melbourne, that feels like another season. We’re in a completely different position, so progress has been good.
“I think we’ve got to keep that going to Abu Dhabi and then make another step across the winter to start strong for 2018.”
