Max Verstappen in Formula 1 is having a tough time this season. Lando Norris has been posing quite a challenge to him with the latter gradually surpassing him over the last three races. Nor was the Azerbaijan Grand Prix any easier for him. In one way, a solid start by Verstappen did not prevent Norris from catching up; rather the relentless strategic deployment of hard as well as medium tyres helped the latter minimize a highly significant gap and went ahead to finish fourth ahead of Verstappen.
This includes Jacques Villeneuve, the 1997 Formula 1 World Champion, who was skeptical of Verstappen’s performances lately. In his own views, Villeneuve thinks that Verstappen’s competitive advantage seems to have gone off in the recent races. Villeneuve says, “Max for the last few races sounds downbeat. He’s not even feisty in the race and doesn’t fight that hard.” Of course, Villeneuve is just commenting on what’s been looming over Verstappen as he approaches the Singapore Grand Prix.
Verstappen has seen his lead in the Drivers’ Championship recently diminished. In Azerbaijan, Verstappen had lost three points to Norris and now leads by 59 with seven races remaining. Early in the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, he was holding on tight before he could not contain the late surge by Norris. A crucial deficit-reducing factor in the strategic tire changes made by Norris was turned back as Red Bull seized the initiative on tactical grounds, against which Verstappen and his team need an answer.
The Singapore Grand Prix, on Sky Sports F1, is an opportunity for Verstappen to get back onto the momentum train. Adaptation and overcoming obstacles that Norris has kept in place will be important for Verstappen as things heat up in the championship race. Infusing new zest into the title race, the McLaren driver’s performances recently have added a new layer of spice, and Verstappen has to find his way to invert this momentum.
Verstappen has been particularly vocal ahead of the Singapore race, lamenting his recent struggles: “There is definitely room for improvement. The good news is that the team knows it’s within me.”.
Recent changes in Verstappen’s character have been summed up by Villeneuve: “Even on the radio, we hardly hear him. Something has changed,” he said. It’s psychological strength in high-stakes racing. Verstappen should prepare for the Singapore Grand Prix with technical issues and cement his mental toughness in order to keep up with the pace in the race for the championship.
It is going to be a hard test for Verstappen coming into the Singaporean race. This is because racing pressure was mounting as Norris closed up. The onus will then also be on Verstappen; that moment in the season that defines the fate of championship-how he handles behind the wheel would not only be on the world’s radar.
