Somewhat unsurprisingly, Red Bull struggled at the Italian Grand Prix, on a circuit that clearly didn’t suit their car – they found themselves swamped by the Mercedes-powered Williams cars and at times even the McLaren and the Force India (also powered by the Mercedes engine) looked quicker. Fifth and sixth was arguably a really good result for Red Bull considering their lack of straight-line speed, especially as rivals Ferrari picked up just two points.
Singapore, however, should suit the Milton Keynes-based team far better than Monza, and Spa for that fact. Singapore’s layout is that of a standard street circuit; bumpy, lots of corners, short straights, all things that in theory will play into Red Bull’s hands quite nicely as they look to increase their podium tally which stands at eight currently. However, Williams having achieved their fifth podium in six races will be looking to prevent that from happening, as the two teams with very different drivers and very different cars will go for second place in the Constructors’ Championship.
Red Bull Singapore Grand Prix Preview
No. 1 Sebastian Vettel (GER) – 6th
Form: 5/4/7/5/6
2013: Grid: P1, Race: P1
Another race; another beating by his team mate at Monza. Sebastian Vettel needs a result and desperately. Daniel Ricciardo has three podiums – including two wins in the last five races and Vettel has nothing bar points. Singapore is a track which he goes very well at generally, he’s won on the last three occasions – but there have been plenty of tracks which Vettel has done well at the past yet he has been beaten by his team mate so far this season. There are just six races left and Vettel needs to prevent 2014 from being embarrassing.
No. 3 Daniel Ricciardo (AUS) – 3rd
Form: 3/6/1/1/5
2013: Grid: P9, Race: Retired (collision on lap 23)
Ricciardo made a rare error here and crashed last year, but he did score points the year before, so his record is somewhat patchy. Only Lewis Hamilton has had more podiums in the last five races. As mentioned earlier, Ricciardo has three podiums in the last five races whilst Vettel has zero. I am swiftly running out of words to describe how brilliant Ricciardo has been this season, not just against his team mate, but against some of the most revered racers in the world. He certainly has to be bookies’ favourite to be best of the rest behind the Mercedes this weekend given his superb form.
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