Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc - Photo: Race Pictures

Ferrari slammed after Singapore: ‘The fourth force’

10:31, 08 Oct

Updated: 10:55, 08 Oct

byOlly Darcy

Giancarlo Minardi believes that Ferrari is "the fourth force" on the grid after the Singapore Grand Prix and that Max Verstappen "can't be considered in the race for the title".

"Ferrari is having to look over its shoulders for the arrival of Red Bull."

- Giancarlo Minardi on Ferrari's current form

The Grand Prix around the Marina Bay Street Circuit saw George Russell take his second win of the year with an impressive performance all weekend long.

Thanks to the Brit's 25 points and Kimi Antonelli's P5, the German team look to have taken a huge step towards P2 in the constructors' championship, while Ferrari faltered once again.

"Despite the heat and the high humidity, Mercedes managed to make the difference right from qualifying," Minardi said in his column, The Point by Giancarlo Minardi.

Lewis Hamilton driving during the Singapore Grand Prix - Photo: Race Pictures

"They consolidated second place in the constructors’ championship, and with Ferrari having to look over its shoulders for the arrival of Red Bull. However, the team from Maranello is currently the fourth force.

"The brake problem ruined Hamilton’s work, but they would not have gone beyond fifth place anyway.

"Something more was certainly expected from the drivers in the papaya-coloured car, but with his podium finish, Norris gained three points over his direct rival to try to keep the internal battle with Piastri alive."

Minardi rules out Verstappen once and for all

Minardi also had his say on Max Verstappen and his dwindling chances of a fifth consecutive world title.

"I do not think that Verstappen can still be considered in the race for the title, even if, as usual, he made the others pay a high price, especially now that he is once again supported by the car.

"With the right support from Tsunoda, they can still aim for third place at the expense of Ferrari."

Lando Norris and Max Verstappen during the Singapore Grand Prix - Photo: Race Pictures

After the Grand Prix in Singapore, Verstappen now sits 63 points off Piastri's 336 points at the top of the drivers' standings with just six races remaining.

However, while the drivers' title may be out of reach for the Dutchman, there is still plenty to play for regarding the constructors' championship.

Red Bull bit in P4 with 290 points, just eight points behind Ferrari in P3. Mercedes took a big step towards sealing P2 thanks to an impressive weekend, as they now sit 27 points clear of the Scuderia.

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