Verstappen intrigued by impact of Singapore changes

Max Verstappen is intrigued to see how much of the track changes at the Singapore Grand Prix will have on the Formula 1 grid.

Turns 16-19 have been replaced for 2023 by a flat-out blast connecting Turns 15 and what was Turn 20, the medium-speed right-hander.

The snaking under the grandstand is not possible in 2023 due to construction works taking place with the new section of track decreasing lap-times by nearly 20 seconds.

This will have a drastic affect on car set-up as teams cannot run as much downforce as they usually would with the braking zone for the new Turn 16 a potential overtaking opportunity, although there is no DRS on the new section.

Nevertheless, Verstappen, who is looking for an 11th straight win, is interested by the impact the changes will have.

Verstappen's intrigue

"I’m looking forward to the night race in Singapore, Marina Bay is a cool circuit," he explained.

"This year it will be interesting to see how the revised track layout will impact the general behaviour and set up of the car, I think the lap times will be much quicker.

"Singapore is probably going to be the most challenging weekend out of the upcoming races as the stakes are heightened on a street circuit and the field is usually very close, not to mention the heat and humidity.

"Last year we had a very unlucky weekend, hopefully this year it will go a bit better and we’ll of course do our best to make sure we score maximum points this weekend."

Team-mate Sergio Perez is the defending race-winner at Marina Bay, and is celebrating his 250th Grand Prix start - only the 11th driver to reach that mark - as he returns to a track he feels he delivered one of his strongest ever performances at.

"Last season was probably one of the best races of my career, it was such a hard one to navigate, with the heat, the track conditions and the concentration that is required around a street circuit," Perez said.

"Of course, I would love to repeat the win but it will be tricky, the new track layout is going to make things quicker in sector three and there will be rain, so it could be fun!

"This weekend is my 250th race in Formula 1 and I never would have imagined I would race an F1 car that many times when I started my career. It has been a dream and I am proud to have represented Mexico all over the world for this many years and I would love to give them another win this Sunday.

"I have a one-off helmet to mark the moment and I think it’s going to look very special under the lights at night."