Was Singapore a one-off or a sign of things to come? | What went wrong for Red Bull?

Sky F1's Simon Lazenby and Anthony Davidson join Matt Baker to look back at a dramatic Singapore Grand Prix as Carlos Sainz claimed Ferrari's first win of the season to end Red Bull’s winning streak.

They debate which of the Ferrari drivers is quickest and ask which driver pairing is stronger – Ferrari or Red Bull?

They also analyse what went wrong for the Red Bulls in Singapore. Will they be back on top in Japan or has a weakness been exposed in the RB19?

Finally, they discuss Liam Lawson's future and his chances of securing a seat in the 2024 season.

**Navigating the Singapore Grand Prix: A Review and Analysis**

**Introduction:**

The Singapore Grand Prix, held under the captivating night lights, witnessed a dramatic turn of events as Carlos Sainz secured Ferrari's first victory of the season, breaking Red Bull's winning streak. This episode delves into the key moments, controversies, and performances that shaped the race, providing a comprehensive analysis for Formula One enthusiasts.

**One-Word Race Reviews:**

- **Night Fever:** The electrifying atmosphere, coupled with the strategic battles and late-race drama, made this race a spectacle to remember.

- **Refreshing:** The unexpected outcome, with a different winner and a captivating race unfolded, refreshing the Formula One landscape.

- **Wise:** Carlos Sainz's strategic brilliance, exemplified by his symbiotic relationship with Lando Norris, played a crucial role in his victory.

**Ferrari's Resurgence:**

- **Sainz's Stellar Performance:** Sainz showcased his strategic prowess and defensive skills, maximizing the potential of his Ferrari to secure his first win of the season.

- **Leclerc's Team Player Role:** Charles Leclerc demonstrated his commitment to the team by acting as a rear gunner, prioritizing Ferrari's overall success over his personal ambitions.

- **Improved Car Performance:** Ferrari's recent updates have yielded positive results, particularly on circuits emphasizing braking stability, slow-speed corners, and traction.

**Red Bull's Setback:**

- **Unbalanced Setup:** Red Bull's struggles in Singapore stemmed from an unbalanced car setup, resulting in poor performance in the first sector and difficulty navigating the bumpy track.

- **Mechanical Compliance Challenges:** The revised technical regulations, aimed at reducing flexi front wings and floor movement, may have contributed to Red Bull's struggles at this particular circuit.

- **Max Verstappen's Frustration:** Verstappen's dissatisfaction with the car's handling was evident, highlighting the team's need to address these issues for future races.

**Christian Horner's Leadership Under Scrutiny:**

- **Facing the Media:** Horner faced a barrage of questions regarding Red Bull's lack of performance and the controversial comments made by Helmut Marko.

- **Balancing Positivity and Negativity:** Horner's ability to navigate both positive and negative media attention, while maintaining focus on the team's goals, is a testament to his leadership skills.



**Key Points:**

- Carlos Sainz secures Ferrari's first win of the season, ending Red Bull's winning streak and bringing excitement to the Formula One circuit.

- Debate over which Ferrari driver, Sainz or Leclerc, is quicker, highlighting the strength of the team's lineup.

- The Red Bull team faces scrutiny after their struggles in Singapore, raising questions about their dominance and potential weaknesses.

- Liam Lawson's impressive performance in his first Formula One race sparks discussions about his future prospects and chances of securing a seat for the 2024 season.



1. **Ferrari's Triumph and Driver Comparison:**

- Carlos Sainz's victory in Singapore marks a significant moment for Ferrari, bringing an end to Red Bull's dominance and marking the team's first win of the season. This victory showcases the team's resurgence and adds intrigue to the remaining races.

- The performance of both Ferrari drivers, Sainz and Leclerc, has ignited a debate about who is the quicker driver. Their close competition and consistent strong performances highlight the strength of the team's lineup and their ability to challenge for wins.

2. **Red Bull's Challenges and Potential Weaknesses:**

- Red Bull's struggles in Singapore have raised questions about their dominance and exposed potential weaknesses in their RB19 car. The team's inability to maintain their usual level of performance has fueled speculation about whether their winning streak was a result of favorable circumstances or a genuine superiority.

- The team's strategy and decision-making during the race have also come under scrutiny, with some pundits suggesting that they may have made tactical errors that contributed to their poor showing.

3. **Liam Lawson's Promising Debut and Future Prospects:**

- Liam Lawson's impressive performance in his first Formula One race has generated excitement and discussion about his future prospects. His ability to qualify in Q3 and score points in a challenging race has demonstrated his potential and earned him praise from experts.

- The question of where Lawson will race in 2024 has become a topic of speculation, with various options being considered. His performance in Singapore has strengthened his case for a seat in the AlphaTauri team or potentially even a move to Williams.

4. **Predictions for the Japanese Grand Prix:**

- The upcoming Japanese Grand Prix is highly anticipated, with expectations that Red Bull will return to their winning ways. The Suzuka circuit is considered to favor Red Bull's car characteristics, potentially giving them an advantage over their rivals.

- While Red Bull is expected to be strong, there is optimism that Mercedes and McLaren may challenge for podium positions. Ferrari's performance in Japan will also be closely watched, as they aim to maintain their momentum and secure more victories.

- The battle for the Constructors' and Drivers' Championships remains intense, with the Singapore Grand Prix results adding intrigue to the remaining races. The outcome of the Japanese Grand Prix could have significant implications for the title races.

Overall, the Singapore Grand Prix provided thrilling racing, unexpected results, and plenty of talking points for Formula One fans. As the season progresses, the competition promises to be fierce, with several teams and drivers capable of challenging for victories and podium finishes.