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Red Bull takes Leclerc into account in Singapore: 'But am optimistic'
- GPblog.com
With just eight Grands Prix to go, it is becoming increasingly likely that Red Bull Racing will win all races in 2023. Helmut Marko is (obviously) aware of that too, but the Austrian racing stable's first goal is to capture both world championships. And ensuring that - the most difficult GP on paper for Red Bull - there is a win in Singapore.
Of all the circuits still to be driven on this season, Red Bull has the worst track-record at the semi-street circuit of Marina Bay. Last year, although it was won by Sergio Perez, pole was for Charles Leclerc. Max Verstappen crossed the line seventh on Sunday. In previous years, success was mainly for Mercedes and Ferrari.
Competition from Ferrari
Once again - as at Monza - much is expected from Ferrari. "My expectations? We have had a competitive car everywhere, so why shouldn't it be so in Singapore? Anyway, Ferrari and especially Leclerc is a specialist on that track. If they are faster in qualifying, it could be a problem for us, as overtaking is very difficult in Singapore. But I'm still optimistic that the package we bring to Singapore is good enough to win."
The Red Bull car has excelled in almost all areas this year, but if there is one where the competition might be able to come close to the RB19's performance, it is in the slow corners. We saw this at the Hungaroring, where Lewis Hamilton was fastest in qualifying this year. So the W14s will also have to be taken into account.