After a detour to the Nordschleife and a flawless victory in the GT3, Max Verstappen is expected back in Formula 1 this coming weekend. The premier class is heading to Singapore and the street circuit of Marina Bay. History suggests that Verstappen is in for a tough weekend; it’s the only circuit on the current calendar where he has yet to win. If Verstappen breaks his Singapore curse this year, he will secure a place in the record books.
The Marina Bay Street Circuit is a treacherous track. The narrow streets combined with high humidity and tropical temperatures mean that drivers cannot afford to make mistakes. For Verstappen, Singapore seems to pose an extra challenge; the Dutchman has finished second twice, but that coveted victory has always slipped through his fingers. Even in the extremely dominant season of 2023, Red Bull faltered here.
After two convincing victories in Italy and Azerbaijan respectively, the Dutchman is in a good position. The question is whether he can carry that momentum into the Asian metropolis. If he wants to have any chance of securing his fifth consecutive world title, Verstappen will certainly have to make a big impact in Singapore. According to experts, the upcoming race weekend will be decisive for the rest of the season. Verstappen is currently still 69 points behind World Championship leader Oscar Piastri.”So far, Lewis Hamilton has never emerged as the winner in Singapore. Yet, he is on the verge of an impressive record. Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton is the driver who has won the most different Grand Prix – he has crossed the finish line first on no less than thirty-one circuits. Verstappen’s count stands at thirty. A victory in Singapore would therefore put him on par with the British veteran.
- Lewis Hamilton – won 31 different Grand Prix
- Max Verstappen – won 30 different Grand Prix
- Michael Schumacher – won 22 different Grand Prix
- Sebastian Vettel – won 21 different Grand Prix
- Alain Prost – won 18 different Grand Prix
