Max Verstappen Eyes Late-Season Comeback at Singapore Grand Prix

The Red Bull driver looks to close the gap on championship leader Oscar Piastri after back-to-back wins.

Max Verstappen arrives in Singapore with renewed optimism after finishing third in both FP1 and FP2 at the Marina Bay Street Circuit. Despite never having won at this night race, the reigning world champion is confident that the upgrades to his RB21, including a major floor revision introduced in Italy, have made the car far more predictable and competitive.

Adjustments and Focus for Race Weekend
Verstappen highlighted minor tweaks he wants to make before Sunday, focusing on front and rear grip and tire management. “All those things just need to be a little bit better, and then hopefully that will be a bit more in the window,” he told F1TV. The Dutch driver has emphasized that while the car feels much improved, small optimizations are key to fighting at the front.

The Championship Picture
Having reduced his deficit to Oscar Piastri from 104 points to 69 points in just two races, Verstappen remains mathematically in contention for a fifth consecutive championship. While Lando Norris and McLaren remain formidable opponents, the back-to-back wins and steady car development suggest Verstappen is closing in on his rivals.

Race Strategy and Expectations
Despite optimism, Verstappen remains measured, taking a race-by-race approach rather than looking too far ahead in the standings. He noted that FP2 can be misleading due to engine modes and track conditions, but being near the top of the timing charts is “definitely very positive.” The key for Verstappen will be converting pace into qualifying performance and managing tires on Singapore’s unforgiving asphalt.

Looking Ahead at Singapore
As the championship battle heats up, Verstappen’s focus is clear: maximize performance at every session, refine the car setup, and push when the opportunity arises. If he can maintain consistency and exploit the RB21’s upgrades, he could not only challenge Lando Norris for second in the standings but also mount a late-season assault on Piastri, keeping fans on the edge of their seats for what promises to be an intense Singapore Grand Prix.