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Reason Behind Verstappen’s Singapore Misery Stands Exposed Despite Horner’s Sincere Efforts at Saving Face

Published 09/26/2023, 8:30 AM EDT

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The inevitable happened in Japan and Red Bull wrapped up the constructor’s championship in incredible fashion. The Austrian team did so with 6 races to go as well, a record in Formula 1. The team and, especially Max Verstappen was out for blood from the get-go in Suzuka and he ended up quenching his thirst as the chequered flag was waved. This performance throughout the weekend, which broke a record in qualifying, by Verstappen was a statement of intent from the Dutchman, especially because of their performance in Singapore. However, while discussing the weekend, F1 experts also exposed Red Bull boss Christian Horner‘s attempt to save face.

The Red Bull boss made statements about how Singapore has always been a tough track for the team despite Marina Bay being a street circuit. A street circuit that Sergio Perez conquered just last season in 2022. So exposing Horner’s false statements about the track not suiting the RB19, F1 experts exposed the British boss by revealing the real reason behind the dip in performance on the F1 Nation podcast.

Tom Clarkson said, “There was such a message of intent from the get-go here (Suzuka), wasn’t there. Max’s first lap in first free practice was 1.5 seconds quicker than anyone that had gone at that point. You just knew from that moment on.”

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Natalie Pinkham added, “He was so keen to make that statement of intent. Anyone with any doubt as to why they had that drop-off in performance in Singapore? Nothing to do with the technical directive, everything to do with the configuration and layout of the circuit.”

Max certainly was keen on getting back to the impeccable best form he has shown this year after Marina Bay. There was a revelation from Horner too that the Dutch Lion wanted to win the Japanese GP by 20 seconds (which he missed on by less than a second). Though going back to the disappointing Singapore GP, it garnered a lot of criticism for Verstappen as well.

Max Verstappen attracted criticism from F1 veteran for his unnecessary X-rated rant

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Peter Windsor is a big fan of Verstappen for all he’s achieving in the sport currently. However, despite all his racing prowess, there is one aspect of Verstappen that he does not appreciate. This was highlighted especially in Singapore when Verstappen showcased his frustration toward his RB19 on the team radio. Verstappen launched an X-rated rant during the final practice session ahead of the qualifying which Windsor felt was unnecessary given his position in the season.

via Reuters

“I saw the radio transmission from Max afterwards which was pretty grumpy really, overly so I think for a guy who’s got this year’s championship sewn up and he’s a brilliant car underneath him all year. It was along the lines of ‘Did you see that?’ ‘It was just impossible to drive’. A bit over the top really, I thought that reaction,” said Windsor.

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Regardless, it was a fleeting moment and Red Bull and Verstappen are back being their brilliant best. Now it seems they won’t be stopped until the final race of the season. Or till 2025.

WATCH THIS STORY | Max Verstappen’s Chaos Continues: Disqualified for Revenge, Triggers Chaos in Sim Race

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Written by:

Mahim Suhalka

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Mahim Suhalka is a senior F1 Author at EssentiallySports. Having written over 1500 articles, Mahim specializes in core sports coverage. Having followed the sport for a long time, his articles contain excellent analysis of the sport and he dives deeper into the technicalities of this complex sport.
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Edited by:

Aishwary Gaonkar