Singapore Grand Prix Preview – by Joe Murphy
This weekend, Max Verstappen has the chance to make it back to back Formula 1 World Championships, although he needs a lot to go his way in order for this to happen. There is much to focus on as we head back to the Marina for another street circuit installment.
Max to be denied… for now!
I believe that Max Verstappen is very much World Champion elect. Five consecutive wins, some of which have included occasions when he took penalties, has put the Dutchman on the brink ahead of the race in Singapore this weekend. However, although he is yet again the favourite, there is clear indication that he won’t have it all his own way this weekend. Leclerc and Russell are just two drivers who may have something to say in denying the inevitable party to start so early in the Red Bull garage. It seems incredibly unlikely that Charles Leclerc and Sergio Perez both suffer enough misfortune to send them to ninth or lower. The champagne stays on ice, at least until Japan.
Pressure on Lewis?
Lewis Hamilton has been questioned by multiple people in the build up to this race. The seven time champion hasn’t won a race yet in 2022 and he is in danger of suffering a first season without a victory in his F1 career. He is optimistic that the Silver Arrows will bounce back and regain former glories from next season, but Hamilton will want to register at least the one win this season. There are few circuits the Brit has a better track record at than Singapore and there is little reason why he cannot put his Mercedes in the mix for a win this weekend. A strong qualifying session is a must, as is a small slice of luck across the weekend.
Zhou and Tsunoda stay on…
Since the last outing, it has been confirmed that Yuki Tsunoda and Guanyu Zhou are both remaining on the F1 grid for next season, retaining their seats and driving for Alpha Tauri and Alfa Romeo, respectively. Yuki has demonstrated signs of improvement and has been genuinely competitive against his more experienced teammate Pierre Gasly. As for the man from China, Zhou has impressed immensely and has enjoyed a solid season alongside Valtteri Bottas. Both men know full well just how difficult it is to stay in F1, especially with the extra competition for places these days. As Singapore is upon us, they will both be hoping to get a point or two at a track that could offer up some surprises.
Goodbye to Singapore for Seb...
The German Lion who has tamed Singapore multiple times in the past, will be attempt to do the same for the final time in his career, this Sunday. The four-time World Champion will race at Singapore in his Aston Martin car that has, for this season at least, been highly unconvincing. Chances of Seb enjoying equal success to his Ferrari days this weekend are about as slim as they come. However, he will have his fingers crossed for a positive display as he bids farewell to one of his more preferred venues. It won’t be every week that I’ll write about Seb saying goodbye to an F1 destination, but this venue holds more memories for the German, than most.
Albon returns…
Nyck de Vries’ recent display at Monza may have been points that Williams so desperately needed, but the team is sure to respond positively to the return of Alex Albon. The former Red Bull man returns to the garage after suffering severe illness complications a few weeks ago. Reports confirm that he is willing, ready and able to compete this weekend and will be keen to score for the Constructor yet again. His seat is confirmed for 2023 and beyond, although he does not yet know who his teammate will be in around 6 months time. All focus, for now, remains on this weekend’s return to the paddock and Alex will be sure to have a series of cool targets ahead of this weekend’s Grand Prix in the severe humidity. In a return that has been described as “audacious” by friend George Russell, let’s see how the Williams driver copes in the heat.
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