Verstappen reveals issues that might have cost him his Singapore GP victory
Photo: Race Pictures
Kada Sárközi joined GPblog as an editor ahead of the 2023 Formula 1 season. He graduated with a BA in Sports Journalism in the UK and has covered Grands Prix and other F1 events live.
After Max Verstappen managed to fight off Charles Leclerc at the start of the Singapore Grand Prix, the Dutchman took control of the race and won confidently. Afterwards, the Red Bull Racing driver revealed that he experienced an issue during the opening laps of the race.
Verstappen had a poor start in Singapore, and just managed to hold Leclerc behind. Speaking after the race, the Dutchman explained he had an issue. He began: "Well, the start was critical, so that was just good enough. And again, something was not particularly right at the start, so I need to understand what went wrong there. Before releasing the clutch, it didn't feel good.
"But yeah, it was just good enough. Then we had a few laps with some deployment issues, so that's where Charles almost got me actually into Turn 7. And once we had cleared the deployment problems, yeah, it was fine. The car was really good on the tyres. I could really manage them well."
Photo: Race Pictures
Verstappen happy to conquer Singapore
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Before today, the Red Bull Racing driver had finished second three times at the Marina Bay Street Circuit. Verstappen was also glad to drive in clean air for a change in Singapore.
"To be honest, I think it was one of the first times that I've driven in clean air here in Singapore in the race, so I guess that's also nice. And yeah, it's been just a fantastic weekend for us. I mean, we were flying on the Soft, we were okay on the Medium, and then of course with the VSC, I think it was right what Charles did with pitting and going back on a Soft tyre. But yeah, we just had it under control and of course, yeah, really happy to win here."
The four-time world champion was then asked a follow-up question about his start. He added: "Well, like I said, there was something again not right, so I need to understand what went on with the engine before even dropping the clutch, because I think that did hurt my start. So, I just need to understand what went wrong there because it was again not fantastic, you can say that."
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