A new era in Formula 1 has dawned. McLaren is in control of the constructors championship. Red Bull Racing is in decline, its trajectory of points losses steepening the longer the season has endured.
“It’s always nice when you can reflect on a race where you feel like you’ve done a very good job and a job you can be proud of,” he said. “I’m ready to try and go again this weekend.”Singapore is no small challenge. Arguably the sport’s most demanding track physically and mentally, performance doesn’t just come easily.
On paper it’s a golden opportunity. Red Bull Racing bombed out of this race last year and is expected to struggle again. “I know that it’s not going to be our easiest weekend, just straight up,” Verstappen said. “Of course you analyse the race that you did last year. There were a few things that could have been done better; that’s what we’ll try to do this weekend.There are some reasons for hope, and this weekend will test whether they have any foundation in reality.
With Singapore another strong track for him, his rejuvenation might have arrived at just the right time to save Red Bull Racing some face. The FIA boss has never been far from controversy, particularly in Formula 1, where some believe he’s been too ready and willing to involve himself loudly where quiet diplomacy might be better used.
“I mean, what would your children or grandchildren say? What would you teach them if that is your sport?” It’s interesting that this isn’t the first time Ben Sulayem has weighed into a debate about language. Drivers railed against the 300 per cent increase. Ben Sulayem justified it on the grounds of inflation, arguing that “the price of everything has gone up”.
The team has begun to come around to the idea that maybe the Mexican really was the canary in the coalmine for a problem deeply seated in its car that’s only now coming to the fore. With even Verstappen struggling, suddenly he looks like less of an urgent problem.