Max Verstappen has expressed a combative stance following his recent victory at the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia. The Red Bull driver secured his first win of the 2026 Formula 1 season on October 4, ending a 309-day winless streak that dated back to the 2025 Abu Dhabi finale.
This breakthrough win for Verstappen also marked a significant milestone for Red Bull-Ford Powertrains, representing their inaugural Formula 1 victory as a power unit manufacturer.
Verstappen has now set his sights on the upcoming Singapore Grand Prix, scheduled for October 11 at the Marina Bay Street Circuit. He explicitly stated, ‘Singapore is a race I’ve never won, so I’ve still got a score to settle there.’
The 2026 season has presented considerable challenges for Red Bull Racing. The team experienced a difficult start to the campaign, with Verstappen previously winless across the first 15 rounds.
Despite these early struggles, Red Bull has demonstrated notable performance improvements in recent races. Verstappen has consistently achieved podium finishes, securing six in his last eight outings and seven overall this season.
The team has diligently worked on car development, introducing upgrades aimed at enhancing the RB22’s driveability. This sustained effort has contributed to their improved form.
Verstappen currently holds sixth position in the Drivers’ Standings with 188 points. Andrea Kimi Antonelli of Mercedes leads the championship with 320 points after 16 of 23 rounds.
The Singapore Grand Prix is known for its demanding street circuit layout, featuring numerous tricky corners and a bumpy surface. High temperatures are also a significant factor for drivers and teams.
This event will also incorporate a sprint format, adding another layer of intensity to the race weekend. Verstappen’s focus remains on securing a maiden victory at the Marina Bay circuit.
The RB22 chassis is powered by a Ford-branded power unit, signifying Ford’s return to Formula 1. Red Bull’s in-house engine project has been a key area of development for the 2026 regulations.
Helmut Marko, Red Bull motorsport advisor, previously expressed confidence in the power unit project despite earlier speculation regarding potential delays.
An unofficial assessment by the FIA’s ADUO system reportedly identifies Red Bull’s internal combustion engine as the benchmark for 2026. This means the team cannot introduce further engine upgrades this season.
‘I think our win in Malaysia was quite track-specific, so we’ll have to see how we get on in Singapore this week. I enjoy this circuit as a street circuit; it has lots of tricky corners and is quite bumpy. The heat is obviously a factor, and the sprint format makes everything even more intense, but at least we’re racing at night.’
