It was qualifying and a half for a neutral fan. However, Max Verstappen’s Orange Army would want to look away. The flying Dutchman has been in blistering form of late. Unfortunately, it didn’t go to plan for the reigning world champion during the Singapore GP Qualifying.

The drivers had their work cut on a tricky and partially wet track at the Marina Bay Street Circuit. Despite the tricky conditions, Max was in with a shout to claim pole. After the first two qualifying sessions on the inters, it was time for Max and the other drivers to go on the slicks.

After the initial exchanges, it was vividly evident that the fight was between Max Verstappen, Lewis Hamilton, and Charles Leclerc. After Charles took provisional pole and Lewis could only claim P3, it was Max to show the magic and stamp his authority.

Max Verstappen had two terrific sectors and was 2.5s faster than his last flying lap. But, Red Bull surprisingly asked him to make his way into the pits when he was looking good to fight for pole. It was later on confirmed that he had to save enough fuel for a fuel sample by the FIA.

An irritated Max Verstappen, speaking after the qualifying session, said, “It’s completely shi**y, of course. You fill the car for five laps and you want to do six laps. That logic is obviously not right. I just keep finishing that lap before that.”

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Max Verstappen, was fuming on the team radio. But, he needs to keep his calm and put that behind him as he prepares for tomorrow’s race.

Can Max Verstappen emulate the heroics of Spa and Hungary?

It’s been a season in which Max has shown that grid position after qualifying is just a number for him. Max won from P14 and P10 at Spa and Hungaroring.

It might be difficult for him to do that from P8 at Marina Bay. But if someone can do it, Max is that one driver.

This is the race where he can wrap the championship, but that is not his priority. Talking about his chances of winning the championship in Singapore, Max said, “We just try to have a good weekend. To win here would be nice. But it’s not something I’m really thinking about.”

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Max Verstappen would have to pull out the rabbit out of the hat if he wants to win the Singapore GP. Do you think he can overcome all the odds to do it?