formula 1
Lessons learned from the Singapore Grand Prix
Red Bull driver Max Verstappen from the Netherlands is at the race track in Singapore. photo
© Vincent Thian/AP/dpa
Sergio Perez gives a perfect performance in Singapore. Teammate Max Verstappen missed the early world title. And ex-world champion Sebastian Vettel rewarded himself with points.
Then in Suzuka! Max Verstappen has his next chance to defend his Formula 1 title in Japan this week.
In Singapore, his teammate Sergio Perez shows what he can still achieve despite a weak phase in recent months. However, the Mexican will have to wait a long time before success is truly certain.
Perez still has it:
The fourth win of his career was a demonstration. After a lot of criticism recently, Sergio Perez was in the lead from the start and skilfully controlled the race. Only a subsequent investigation, because he left too much space for the safety car, briefly raised doubts about his triumph. But the five-second time penalty didn’t hurt anymore. “You underestimate how difficult it is to drive in such conditions,” said the 32-year-old Mexican. “This victory means a lot to me.”
Next try:
“Time to focus on Japan,” said Max Verstappen after seventh place in the heat of the night. The Dutchman was unable to use his first attempt for the number two World Championship title, but it could happen next Sunday in Japan. His lead over Charles Leclerc is 104 points, and if he is 112 points ahead after the Grand Prix in Suzuka, the 25-year-old can no longer be caught. If Verstappen wins and sets the fastest race lap on the traditional circuit, Leclerc’s second place is no longer enough to postpone the decision again.
Vettel can still do it:
Sebastian Vettel won five times in Singapore – there was eighth place to say goodbye. Shortly before the end of his career in November, the 35-year-old secured championship points again in the Aston Martin. However, the four-time world champion was not completely satisfied with the demanding conditions. “I think it was okay, maybe there was a little more in it, we pitted too early,” said the man from Heppenheim.
Schumacher without luck:
Actually, Mick Schumacher could also score World Championship points, but in the end there was only 13th place for the German. “It was a very nice weekend, I had a lot of fun getting to know the track,” said the 23-year-old. Schumacher is still fighting for a contract for the coming season. The former Formula 2 champion couldn’t really advertise himself at the first stop in Asia.