Verstappen expects ‘tougher’ Singapore GP weekend as he pushes to extend winning run

Max Verstappen reckons he and Red Bull will face more of a challenge from rival teams at the upcoming Singapore Grand Prix, where the Dutchman is eyeing a record-extending 11th straight victory.

Verstappen surpassed the previous all-time marker of nine successive wins – set by Sebastian Vettel during the 2013 season – at Monza last time out, meaning he is unbeaten since the visit to Miami back in May.

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However, with this weekend signalling a return to street track action at the punishing Marina Bay circuit, Verstappen expects the supreme advantage displayed by the RB19 at more conventional layouts to be trimmed back.

“I think we just are not as competitive as other tracks,” he said of his and Red Bull’s chances in the city-state. “I think the street circuits are a little bit tougher for our car. I still think we can do a good job, but it will be very tight.”

Pushed if achieving the victory record nonetheless takes the pressure off his shoulders, Verstappen added: “I never really looked at number eight, nine, 10, I just always want to do the best I can.

“Naturally, every single weekend it’s basically the same amount of pressure you put on yourself to try to get the best result out of it. Nothing really changes, actually, from that side.”

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In addition to the track layout, Verstappen is well aware of incidents and Safety Cars interrupting the action in Singapore, one of few venues he has not yet triumphed at.

“Of course, naturally, I want to try and continue that streak, but I know that there will be a day that it will stop,” added the reigning double world champion.

“Normally, at street circuits, Singapore, there’s always a bit more of a risk, a bit more chaos, but we’re here to win and we’ll try to do that.”

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Verstappen heads into the event with a 145-point lead over team mate Sergio Perez – who won at Marina Bay last year – in the drivers’ standings, while Red Bull sit 310 clear of Mercedes and have their first chance to wrap up the constructors’ title.