Max Verstappen's Unconquered Frontier...Yet! 2023 Singapore GP Preview

Podcast: Inside Line F1

Published Date:

Wed, 13 Sep 2023 22:01:00 +0000

Duration:

1491

Explicit:

False

Guests:

Please note that the summary is generated based on the transcript and may not capture all the nuances or details discussed in the podcast episode.

Notes

Max Verstappen is yet to win in Singapore. Will we repeat this stat after the 2023 Singapore Grand Prix though? Heck, VER is yet to take pole position at the Marina Bay Street Circuit. In fact, Red Bull Racing's last pole was in 2013 (Sebastian Vettel).


However, there's more belief that VER will extend his record-breaking race winning streak to 11 wins this Sunday. But also, Singapore might be his toughest race to win...yet.


Firstly, VER's five race winning streak of 2022 ended at Singapore. Could it be a repeat this year? Of course, this could be for no fault of his own, as we saw in 2022.


Secondly, will the driver breaking VER's ongoing race winning streak become popular or unpopular for breaking the streak? Yes, it is about who breaks the streak. If it's Sergio Perez, he will be unpopular, however, if it's any other driver, he'll be a popular one! The perils of racing along side Max Verstappen at Red Bull Racing, we guess.


The Marina Bay Street Circuit features a new layout this weekend. Williams believe that the new layout will be more suitable to the FW45 than the old one. The organisers have replaced four 90 degree slow corners with a 400 metre long straight. They say that the layout change is to accommodate ongoing developments on the streets of Singapore, or is it really? They do anything these days to boost 'overtaking' in Formula 1.


A high downforce circuit that's tough on it's tyres. Add to it the physical challenge for the drivers - the heat and humidity. Throw in the usual narratives, but also, the nearest home race for Zhou Guanyu and Alexander Albon. C'mon, Alfa Romeo Racing, if there's a race to announce Zhou's extension, it's this!


This weekend's going to be another epic Formula 1 race, and our race preview, will bring you closer to the upcoming race...and the sport.


Tune in!


(Season 2023, Episode 48)




Follow our hosts on Twitter: Soumil Arora, @f1statsguru and Kunal Shah


Image courtesy: Red Bull Content Pool

Summary

**2023 Singapore Grand Prix Preview**

- The Marina Bay Street Circuit features a new layout this weekend, with four 90-degree slow corners replaced by a 400-meter-long straight.
- The changes were made to accommodate ongoing developments on the streets of Singapore and to boost overtaking opportunities.
- The high downforce circuit is tough on tires and physically challenging for drivers due to the heat and humidity.
- Zhou Guanyu and Alexander Albon will be competing in their nearest home race, which could be an emotional moment for them and their fans.

**Max Verstappen's Winning Streak**

- Verstappen is on a record-breaking 10-race winning streak and is poised to extend it to 11 in Singapore.
- However, the new layout and the physical challenges of the circuit could pose a threat to his dominance.
- If another driver breaks Verstappen's streak, it could be a popular or unpopular outcome depending on who it is.
- Sergio Perez, Verstappen's teammate, would be the most unpopular winner, while any other driver would likely be celebrated.

**New Liveries and Technical Directives**

- Several teams have introduced special liveries for the Singapore GP, including McLaren's stealth black and orange livery and Williams' Gulf livery.
- A new technical directive from the FIA aims to reduce the amount of wing flexing in Formula 1 cars.
- The directive could potentially affect Red Bull's performance, as they have been known to exploit the flexibility of their wings for aerodynamic advantage.

**Predictions**

- Sundaram predicts a strong performance from McLaren, particularly Lando Norris.
- Kunal Shah believes Carlos Sainz has the momentum and could be a contender for the win.
- Both Sundaram and Kunal agree that Zhou Guanyu and Alexander Albon are drivers to watch out for, given their proximity to their home countries.
- Sergio Perez is also considered a potential winner, especially if he can qualify well on the challenging street circuit.

**Inside Line F1 Pit Stop Event in Mumbai**

- The Inside Line F1 team will be hosting a pre-race and post-race show, along with a race viewing party and a quiz hosted by F1 Stats Guru in Mumbai.
- The event will take place at Versova Social on Sunday, October 2, 2023.
- Listeners are encouraged to share and subscribe to the podcast and join the Inside Line F1 community.

Raw Transcript with Timestamps
Back to Episode List