F1 Red Bull: the step Verstappen demanded for Singapore GP FP3
Max Verstappen is determined to push Red Bull to the top. In the Singapore edition of Formula 1, this is the primary goal for the Dutch driver. The Hasselt-born talent has already seen a competitive RB21, capable of quickly responding to setup adjustments to improve performance. However, an additional step forward is required in the third practice session, a crucial move to get closer to the top and to fight head-to-head with McLaren.
Max’s account of Friday with the RB21
The day overall was positive, marked by consistent pace and gradual improvements that built on recent weekends. The car felt more docile than usual and showed no major issues. Verstappen described the RB21 as responsive, adding that in FP2, the pace emerged naturally—a sign that the direction taken in setup work is starting to pay off.
The team dedicated the session to exploring different technical solutions. Some produced immediately encouraging results, while others will require further analysis to be fully optimized. This is the approach of the technical team led by Pierre Waché, fully confirmed by the four-time Formula 1 world champion himself. Overall, the impression is of a car with a solid foundation.
There was still work to be done. A complete overhaul of the setup was not needed; instead, surgical adjustments to specific details were required to position the RB21 within its ideal operating window. Overnight work focused precisely on this: meticulous balance adjustments and data interpretation aimed at extracting every ounce of efficiency from the Austrian team’s technical package—a margin that could prove decisive.
It remains to be seen whether these improvements will be enough to approach qualifying with real ambitions. Only then can the car’s true potential be measured, in a context where every tenth of a second matters, and comparison with rivals will offer the clearest indication of progress. Max summed up the first day of practice as satisfying but not yet enough.
Max on the attack: McLaren under pressure
The twenty-eight-year-old is not the most talkative compared to some of his illustrious colleagues. He prefers to speak plainly, directly presenting his ideas without unnecessary detours. He also calls things by their name, which is appreciated. His media approach, however, does not exclude some pre-planning in certain situations, like Thursday’s press conference.
Claiming not to think much about the drivers’ championship fits this pattern. There’s no obsession, yes. Yet, Max does not want to leave even the smallest detail to chance and is committed to giving his best at all times. Singapore is not a perfect track for Red Bull, but recent updates have strengthened the intrinsic value of the Austrian car, which will remain competitive at the front until the end of the season.
This is what many fans hoped for, at least to bring some excitement to a championship that has been flat in this regard. And if Verstappen pointed out on a couple of occasions that more work is still needed on the car, it is precisely because he understands the RB21 has the potential to stay close to McLaren. The British car is very complete but not flawless; it too struggles with external conditions at times.
Furthermore, with all due respect to Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, the Woking team does not have a phenomenon like the Dutch driver behind the wheel. The driver’s influence is significant at Marina Bay. Getting close to the barriers, brushing them, and exploiting every square centimeter of track makes a difference. For this reason, Max is demanding the right step forward before qualifying, to give himself the best possible chance to play his cards effectively.
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