Despite arriving with optimism after introducing a new front wing and upgraded floor, Red Bull found themselves managing problems rather than fighting for victory.
Verstappen started from the front row after missing out on pole to George Russell, but his gamble to begin on soft tyres backfired when poor grip on the left side of the grid cost him momentum off the line.
“We gambled by opting for the soft tyres,” Verstappen told Viaplay. “The inside had very little grip at the start, so we tried to force something, but it didn’t work. It was survival in the first stint to keep the tyres whole.”
The Dutchman soon found himself struggling with tyre wear and was forced into an early stop, switching to the hard compound to defend his position from Lando Norris. However, the world champion’s race became even more complicated as the RB21 developed shifting, braking, and balance problems.
“We had a lot of issues with downshifting and upshifting,” Verstappen explained. “The car was very nervous at the rear. It was more about survival and trying to hold on to second place.”
Around Singapore’s tight and twisting layout, where drivers complete over 5,000 gear changes during the race, the malfunction proved particularly punishing.
Verstappen revealed he had to continually adjust the car’s balance to stay in control. “When downshifting, the car pushed through, and I had oversteer, very difficult to manage,” he added.
Verstappen later admitted that setup changes made by Red Bull across the weekend may have contributed to the RB21’s unpredictable handling. “We hadn’t done a proper long run in practice,” he said. “We made some adjustments to the car, and I think that had a negative impact on the race.”
Despite the difficulties, Verstappen’s drive ensured another valuable podium as Red Bull turn their attention to the next round, the United States Grand Prix at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin on 19 October.
