Verstappen gets unexpected title boost ahead of Singapore GP

Following Red Bull's sweet spot-find at the Dutch Grand Prix, the team introduced a floor upgrade, which coupled with Verstappen's daring rear wing suggestions helped team and driver combination beat their McLaren rivals to the pole and the win, a feat they would replicate two weeks later in Azerbaijan.

Speaking to Sky Sports F1 the former W Series champion Jamie Chadwick, despite acknowledging that the Dutchman's chances at the title were slim, the possibility of him snatching it from Piastri and Lando Norris was still there.

"I think it’s a long shot, but it’s still a shot of some degree,” she said. "And just the last two race weekends alone, the momentum in that team is ginormous. We keep talking about momentum and how significant it is, and I’m not ruling him out.”

Former Aston Martin Strategy Engineer Bernie Collins looked ahead to the next race, the Singapore Grand Prix, as a track where Verstappen could once again shine. "[It's] another driver track. Singapore rewards bravery, particularly in qualifying, and who better to take that on than Max?”

Whilst McLaren have been adamant in recognising Verstappen's presence in the title fight, Fernando Alonso was of a contrary idea indicating that the outcome in the title battle depended solely on McLaren.

Charles Leclerc opined in a similar tone to the Spaniard saying he would be very surprised if Verstappen won the title, confidently concluding that Piastri and Norris had it under control.

Former IndyCar driver and F1TV analyst James Hinchcliffe was of the idea that Verstappen's chances at the title originated from a hype provoked by the media.

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