Mad Max Verstappen Ditches Red Bull, Storming Out of Marina Bay With Nothing but One Statement

It wasn’t just off the tracks where drama was unfolding in the Singapore GP because of the cost cap controversy, the qualifying session was full of tension as well. While Charles Leclerc pipped Sergio Perez and Lewis Hamilton for the pole position, Red Bull had to face the fury of Max Verstappen after instructing him to cancel his flying lap.

Max Verstappen could have had the pole position for tomorrow’s race. He was flying in his second attempt in Q3 to clinch pole position. However, due to Red Bull’s decision to call him back to the garage, he couldn’t finish his lap and will start tomorrow’s race from P8.

As evident from his radio conversation, he was furious at his team. He was eighth-tenths quicker than pole sitter Charles Leclerc in his first sector.

Verstappen left the circuit in anger and also skipped the team debrief after the incident. According to a De Telegraaf journalist, Erik van Haren, Max said, “A big blunder from the team. Yes, I say that, I also want them to tell me if I make a mistake.” [translated using Twitter]

READ MORE: Max Verstappen Brutally Mocked For Profanity-Filled Radio Outrage at Singapore GP

Max Verstappen can still clinch the title tomorrow. However, Leclerc starting from the pole and his teammate, Perez starting behind the pole sitter, makes it an almost impossible task.

Christian Horner explains why Max Verstappen had to abort his final lap

In what was a dramatic qualifying for the Singapore Grand Prix, Max Verstappen had to abort his final lap. Red Bull boss Christian Horner explains why they instructed the Dutch driver to do so.

According to the conditions, Red Bull had only fueled Verstappen for 5 laps. However, it was Max’s 6th lap, and they didn’t have enough fuel for FIA’s fuel test. This is why RBR asked the Dutchman to abort his lap and come into the pits.

Talking to Viaplay after the race, Christian Horner said “I think it was a miscalculation on our side. We fuelled the car for five laps and because the track was ramping up so quick, we got an extra lap so he was perfectly placed.”

Furthermore, the Red Bull chief said, “But, obviously it’s critical to give the fuel sample so it’s the hardest call in the world when he’s two-and-a-half seconds up on his lap time.”

Horner also praised Sergio Perez for grabbing the second spot for tomorrow’s race. It will be the Mexican’s first time starting the Singapore GP from the front row.

WATCH THIS STORY: F1 Stars Max Verstappen & George Russell Enjoy Miami Heat’s Dominant Surge at NBA Playoffs

Max Verstappen still leads Charles Leclerc by 116 points. Even if the Dutchman doesn’t win tomorrow, he’ll still enjoy a hefty lead up top. However, he’ll be looking forward to putting behind this episode by giving his best in the race tomorrow. Can Verstappen win the Singapore GP from P8?