How Verstappen’s crushing Japanese GP win showed Singapore was a blip

Normal service officially resumed at Suzuka, and a minor stumble at the line simply delayed Red Bull’s collection of its sixth Formula 1 constructors’ championship. Singapore? Merely a blip; Max Verstappen’s usual order of a leisurely Sunday afternoon cruise to victory was made almost inevitable following his demolition job of the rest of the field in qualifying.

The team’s all-conquering RB19 proved a tricky customer at Marina Bay a week prior, but the nature of the fast and flowing Suzuka circuit ensured that it was back to full strength. It was putty in the hands of Verstappen, and even Lewis Hamilton was complimentary of the car ahead of the weekend – suggesting that he was looking forward to watching the Dutchman’s laps after the Japanese Grand Prix. The car had everything from speed, compliance and predictability: a racing driver’s holy trifecta.