Will Max Verstappen’s winning streak continue under the lights in Singapore?

The gap remains significant, but Verstappen’s form has reminded the paddock that the four-time world champion thrives when the pressure is at its peak. He has, however, sought to temper expectations, noting that his recent wins came at low-downforce tracks.

“I think it’s just a combination of a lot of things that are going better in the last few weeks, so we understood a bit more about the car,” Verstappen explained, via formula1.com. “Of course it’s two low-downforce tracks, so we have to wait and see how we are going to perform again on a high-downforce track.”

“But for now we’re just very happy with what we’re doing, and then we’ll just find out [at] the upcoming races how that will go on other kinds of layouts.”

That test comes in Singapore, one of Formula 1’s most demanding tracks. The Marina Bay street circuit is infamous for its relentless corners, high-downforce demands and punishing humidity, often leaving drivers drained by the checkered flag. 

Track position is critical, with overtaking opportunities scarce, and rain is forecast to add another layer of unpredictability.

Singapore has also been a bogey circuit for Verstappen. It remains the only track on the current calendar where he has yet to win, though he has collected three podiums in eight attempts.

Red Bull, too, has traditionally struggled there, with its cars better suited to high-speed layouts than the stop-start rhythm of Marina Bay. The team’s recent upgrades, including a revised floor that boosted performance at Monza and Baku, will face a very different kind of test under the lights.

McLaren will be determined to respond after a disappointing outing in Baku, where Piastri’s crash handed Verstappen the opportunity to maximize points. The Australian still holds a healthy lead, while Norris, who was last year’s Singapore winner, has been consistently strong in high-downforce conditions. 

McLaren need only 13 points this weekend to secure the Constructors’ Championship, meaning a third-place finish for either driver would seal the deal.

For Verstappen, though, the equation is simple, he must keep winning. Victory in Singapore would not only extend his streak to three but would also finally add Marina Bay to his list of conquests. 

It would also signal that the Red Bull driver remains in the title fight, and that one of Formula 1’s greatest comebacks is still on the table.