Max Verstappen Feels "Relaxed" and "Just Having Fun" as He Prepares for Singapore GP
Max Verstappen arrives at the Marina Bay Street Circuit for the 2025 Singapore Grand Prix riding the wave of back-to-back wins. Despite closing the points gap this season, the reigning world champion stays cool-headed and focused, describing his mindset as "relaxed" and emphasizing that he is "just having fun."
Singapore marks a unique challenge for Verstappen—it's the only circuit on the calendar where he has yet to claim a victory. The tight, 19-corner, wall-lined layout demands precise control and high downforce, quite different from the fast straights of recent races like Baku. “It’s completely different,” said Verstappen, noting the high tire degradation and intense heat under the floodlights.
Verstappen acknowledges the uphill task in closing a 69-point deficit in the Drivers’ Championship against McLaren’s Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris. “Seven races to go. Everything needs to go perfect from my side, plus a bit of luck,” he told Sky Sports F1. Still, he refrains from relying on hope alone and is focused on what the team can control.
Red Bull team boss Buff Mekies is cautiously optimistic, reminding that Singapore requires maximum downforce setup where the team has struggled before, but the car’s current form is strong. The challenge lies in balancing the heat, tight corners, and tire management.
For Verstappen, circuit experience, fitness, and mental resilience will be key. He recently won an endurance GT race at the Nürburgring to sharpen his skills and keep race sharpness high. This relaxed, confident approach could be exactly what he needs to make Singapore a turning point in his championship chase.
