Of all circuits on the current Formula 1 calendar, there are only two where Max Verstappen has yet to win: Madrid and the Marina Bay Street Circuit in Singapore. While that is entirely logical in the case of Madrid—after all, F1 visited the brand-new street track around IFEMA for the first time this year—Verstappen is already heading into his 10th attempt to win the race in Singapore.
The Dutchman has stood on the podium in Singapore four times, but victory is still missing from his record. It should be noted, however, that 2022 could have been the year of his first win. Verstappen was comfortably the fastest in the partly wet qualifying session, but had to abandon his final run because Red Bull had made a miscalculation regarding the amount of fuel in his car.
Partly for that reason, Verstappen acknowledged during Thursday's media day in the paddock that he still has unfinished business in Singapore, pointing out the team's historical struggles with low-speed corners, bumps, and kerb riding.
"In the last few years, we've always been bad in low speed and just kerb riding, taking the bumps," Verstappen said when asked why the Singapore street circuit has always been an Achilles' heel for Red Bull. "This year's car is probably more competitive in low-speed corners, but we still struggle on bumps and kerbs. We know that."
"So, of course, I have unfinished business here when you have not won the race yet. Actually every year I come back and I'm trying to win it, but we also need to be realistic. But I hope that we can be, let's say, a little bit more competitive this year, compared to the last few years," he added.
Following the double podium in Baku and the first victory of the year in Malaysia, Red Bull has reason for optimism. The major upgrade package introduced in Baku—also the last significant step for the RB22—appears to have had an immense impact, although Verstappen stresses that its effectiveness can vary from circuit to circuit.
As reported by Motorsport.com, Verstappen elaborated on the contrasting track conditions. "The updates will work, but some tracks are naturally just a little bit better for us. In Baku, it was a lot colder and harder to switch the tyres on. Malaysia was the complete opposite, and this is again a hot place where the tyres do switch on, but we still have our limitations."
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