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Verstappen wants to prevent repeat: 'We're going to do our best for that'

Verstappen wants to prevent repeat: 'We're going to do our best for that'

12-09-2023 11:28 Last update: 12:51
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Toby McLuskie

Red Bull drivers Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez are looking forward to the Singapore Grand Prix. While the Dutchman is reluctant to think back to his last race at the Marina Bay circuit, it is different for his Mexican teammate.

"will be interesting to see how the revised track layout will impact the general behaviour and set up of the car," Verstappen commented in a press release. Formula 1 will no longer use the final chicane, allowing drivers to take advantage of a longer run-up towards the straight at the finish. "Singapore is probably going to be the most challenging weekend out of the upcoming races as the stakes are heightened on a street circuit and the field is usually very close, not to mention the heat and humidity," the Red Bull driver said. 

Verstappen will be reluctant to think back to last year's edition. The Dutchman had a chance to grab the world title in Singapore but missed out on pole position because he was sent onto the track with too little fuel. During the race, Verstappen made up a number of places but braked, eventually falling back several places. "We had a very unlucky weekend, hopefully, this year it will go a bit better and we’ll of course do our best to make sure we score maximum points this weekend," said the man who finished seventh last year.

Perez goes for the win

The race was eventually won by Sergio Perez, who looks back on the 2022 race with an excellent feeling: "That was probably one of the best races of my career. It was such a hard one to navigate, with the heat, the track conditions and the concentration that is required around a street circuit." Perez is going for the highest this weekend: "I would love to repeat the win but it will be tricky, the new track layout is going to make things quicker in sector three and there will be rain, so it could be fun!"

It is a special weekend for the Guadalajara man, who will be driving his 250th Grand Prix. "I never would have imagined I would race an F1 car that many times when I started my career. It has been a dream and I am proud to have represented Mexico all over the world for this many years and I would love to give them another win this Sunday."