Downbeat Verstappen says the RB20 'won't be fantastic' in Baku

F1 News

Max Verstapppen downbeat on chances at F1 races in Baku and Singapore
4 September at 07:00
Last update 4 September at 08:45
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  • Jeroen Immink

Unlike 2023, Max Verstappen does not seem to be as dominant in Formula 1 anymore. Last weekend at the Italian Grand Prix, the Dutchman finished sixth and saw Lando Norris catch up again in the drivers' standings. For now, the Dutchman expects his RB20 to struggle again in the upcoming races in Azerbaijan and Singapore.

Balance most important according to Verstappen

Verstappen, once again, struggled with his Red Bull car at Monza. This resulted in a disappointing P6, and the Dutchman was also unhappy with his car afterwards. His lead over Norris is still 62 points, but Verstappen indicated that if this continues, he will not win any more races in 2024. In particular, balance seems to be the Red Bull's biggest problem.

Upcoming races will be on the streets of Baku and blood-hot Singapore. Verstappen knows what to do then. "I think at the moment on most tracks, it's mainly the balance. Ride can be improved on every single track naturally. But on the street circuits, that really comes out more," the three-time world champion revealed.

What does Verstappen expect from upcoming street races?

Last year in Singapore, Verstappen experienced his worst race (P5), and the Dutchman does not expect miracles this year either. "At the moment, we are not the fastest car even on a normal track. So I don't expect Singapore to suddenly then be fantastic. It's not going to like swap around in Singapore for us," Verstappen said.

Singapore is currently the only race on the calendar where Verstappen has never managed to win. His best result dates back to 2018. There, the Red Bull driver finished second.

This article was written in collaboration with Olly Darcy