In a year that has been so improbable, the impossible has happened. The 2023 Singapore GP bore witness to a memorable occasion as Carlos Sainz earned his first win of the season and ended Red Bull’s dominance of 10 straight victories this year. Although many people acknowledged Sainz’s chances before the race, many did not believe that he would win even after the 11th-place qualifying finish of Max Verstappen in the Singapore GP. However, Sainz and Ferrari executed a flawless plan as the team beat Lando Norris and Lewis Hamilton to earn their first victory of the year.
CARLOS SAINZ WINS IN SINGAPORE!!!#SingaporeGP @ScuderiaFerrari pic.twitter.com/bd2MzhOFW6
— Formula 1 (@F1) September 17, 2023
Carlos Sainz’s Triumph in the Singapore GP Signals The End of Red Bull’s Undefeated Streak
While we can factor Red Bull’s lacklustre qualifying display as their downfall, we cannot overlook Sainz and Ferrari’s efforts in stopping their run. Living up to his nickname as the smooth operator, Carlos Sainz demonstrated a slow-burning and strategic masterclass in the Singapore GP.
For instance, the Spaniard eked out his hard tyres for 42 laps, held on with badly worn tires over several tense final laps and won at the slowest possible speed. By executing his tactical masterclass, he kept the field close enough to remove any pitstop window for others and manage his tyres before helping former teammate Norris stave off the chasing Mercedes by letting him stay in DRS range.
Thus, with a tactical display that Erik ten Hag should learn from, Sainz not only earned his second career win in the Singapore GP but also snapped Red Bull’s 15-race winning streak starting from Abu Dhabi last year. Furthermore, he ended Red Bull’s chances for a perfect season as their drivers, Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez, won the first 12 races this season.
Related: Max Verstappen Delivered Red Bull Racing Record 12 Straight Wins in the 2023 Hungarian Grand Prix
Our record-breaking run comes to an end, but a great effort on Race Day 🏁
Result 🏁 SAI, NOR, HAM, LEC, Max P5, GAS, PIA, Checo P8, LAW, MAG. #F1 pic.twitter.com/XZDggf2Aqc
— Oracle Red Bull Racing (@redbullracing) September 17, 2023
Carlos Sainz’s Official Statement: “We Nailed the Race.”
After successfully claiming Ferrari’s first victory this year in the Singapore GP since Austria last year, Carlos Sainz exclaimed his appreciation towards his team after his second career win since Silverstone last year. “It is an incredible feeling, an incredible weekend. I want to thank everyone in Ferrari for a massive effort to turn things around. We did everything right. It was all about knowing our limitations in managing the race and ensuring I made it to the target lap for pitting.”
Moreover, he elaborated on how he and his team executed the perfect strategy in allowing him to stay in first place. “I did not want to give George a safety car and medium tyre opportunity. Thus, giving Lando the DRS opportunity was vital. I always felt I had the headspace and could manage well, and we brought it home. We nailed the race. We did everything we had to do. We did it perfectly and brought home a P1 that I am sure all of Italy and Ferrari are proud of and happy today.”
Despite the events of the safety car, Sainz kept his composure and secured the W. “The safety car forced us to pit even earlier than we wanted, and I knew it would be a long stint and hard. It was just quite tight at the end, but we gave Lando a bit of DRS (Drag reduction) to help him, and in the end, we made it P1.”
🇸🇬Incredible weekend. We managed it to perfection, controlling the pace the entire race. The team deserves this win for the enormous work they have done both here and in Maranello. This one for them and for the Tifosi! On to Suzuka!
–#CarlosSainz pic.twitter.com/lP8jWV5HP2
— Carlos Sainz (@Carlossainz55) September 17, 2023
Max Verstappen’s Official Statement: “I Knew That There Was a Day That You Are Not Winning Anymore.”
After failing to claim a podium spot in the Singapore GP and Red Bull’s first since the Brazilian Grand Prix last year, Max Verstappen accepts that it is more crucial for him and the team to learn about this setback than the winning streak. “I think it is more important we understand what we did wrong this weekend. Because I am confident that next week we go to Suzuka, and the car will be fast again.”
Furthermore, he followed up with his statements after the qualifying and claimed he knew today was the day the run would end. “I knew there was a day that you are not winning anymore, but we had a good run anyway, up until now. I would always take a season like we are winning this much and having one bad weekend over the other way around, where you are not fighting for the championship, and then you are winning here.”
A tough weekend in Singapore, but a solid recovery during the race today @redbullracing 👊
Onto Suzuka 🇯🇵👋 pic.twitter.com/G9gnHyZXAi
— Max Verstappen (@Max33Verstappen) September 17, 2023
Max Verstappen Remains Winless in Singapore
After only finishing fifth in the Singapore GP this year, Max Verstappen will maintain his winless record in Singapore, with his best finish being second in 2018. Although Marina Bay is one of seven tracks he has not yet won in his career, it is no surprise to see him struggle yearly in the Singapore GP as it is one of the harshest physical and mental tracks.
For instance, the only drivers to win in the Singapore GP between 2008 and 2019 were World Champion drivers. However, his teammate and closest contender this season, Sergio Perez, snapped the streak in 2022 by becoming the first non-World Champion to win the Singapore GP. Thus, will Max Verstappen ever win his Singapore GP, or will he continue to struggle next year? Let us know on our site here.
