Preview GP SINGAPORE 2023. The toughest race of the year and a circuit that Red Bull is less comfortable with on paper: can someone finally stop Max Verstappen’s winning streak?

rewrite this content and keep HTML tags Follow the Formula 1 sessions here LIVE!About the locationThe Singapore GP has a reputation in Formula 1: physically this is the toughest race of the year. Due to the high humidity and temperature, the constant succession of turns, but also because it is the longest race of the season. The average speed here is so low that the Grand Prix has already reached the maximum time limit of 2 hours several times, including last year: winner Sergio Pérez was only able to complete 59 laps instead of the planned 61.In any case, the average speed will be slightly higher this year, because the Marina Bay Street Circuit has temporarily received a new layout due to renovation works. No fewer than four bends have disappeared: from bend 15 to the old bend 20 there is now a straight stretch. Let’s wait and see what the effect of this will be: on paper, this gives the drivers an extra overtaking opportunity. (Read more below the photo)Sergio Pérez, last year’s winner. — © REUTERSHowever, overtaking will still remain a challenge on the new route, as the Marina Bay Street Circuit will continue to consist mainly of slower corners. That is precisely why the dominant Red Bull could face more competition this weekend, especially in qualifying. After all, the competition already made it difficult for them this season on similar circuits. Be sure to keep a close eye on men like Fernando Alonso and the two Mercedes drivers. And what about the McLarens and Ferraris?The weather forecastAt the previous race in Monza, it was dry for three days during an F1 weekend for the first time in a long time. Whether this will also be the case in Singapore remains to be seen. There is a chance of thunderstorms on both Saturday and Sunday, although the danger mainly lurks during the day.The program (Belgian time)Friday September 15th11.30 am: first free practice3 p.m.: second free practiceSaturday September 16th11.30 am: third free practice3 p.m.: QualifyingSunday September 17th2 p.m.: Race(Read more below the photo)Last year there was a wet start in Singapore. — © REUTERSOur forecastOur Formula 1 watcher Gert Vermersch and reporter Sam Varewyck give their expected top three for each race, just like last year. This year they will be joined in their predictions by one or two voices from the PlaySports podcast The Paddock: Dennis Xhaët and racing driver Sam Dejonghe will also take a chance.Forecast Gert Vermersch1) Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes)2) Carlos Sainz (Ferrari)3) Sergio Perez (Red Bull)Prediction Sam Varewyck1) Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin)2) Lando Norris (McLaren)3) Sergio Perez (Red Bull)Prediction The Paddock-stem Dennis Xhaët1) Max Verstappen (Red Bull)2) Lando Norris (McLaren)3) Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin)Prediction The Paddock-stem Sam Dejonghe1) Max Verstappen (Red Bull)2) Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes)3) Sergio Perez (Red Bull)That’s how it went last yearThe Marina Bay Street Circuit was hit by a cloudburst about an hour before the race last year. The race therefore started with some delay. Sergio Pérez immediately took the lead from Charles Leclerc at the start and would eventually win despite a five-second time penalty. Leclerc and Carlos Sainz Jr. were on the podium on behalf of Ferrari.Max Verstappen had a nightmare of a weekend in Singapore last year. In qualifying he was only able to finish in eighth place after a rare tactical blunder by his Red Bull team. After a very bad start, he was able to gradually gain some places on Sunday, until he made a mistake on the still semi-wet track and fell to last place. Verstappen would ultimately only finish seventh. (Read more below the photo)© REUTERSNice to knowThe Singapore Grand Prix 15 years ago was the first ever night race in Formula 1. Unfortunately, it was also one of the most controversial races in recent history. Fernando Alonso won, but got some help from teammate Nelson Piquet Jr.: he crashed, triggering a safety car that was perfectly timed for Alonso to take the lead. Almost a year later it came to light that Piquet Jr. crashed on purpose, on behalf of his team, so that Alonso could win: one of the biggest scandals ever in the sport. (Read more below the photo)© BELGAIMAGEIn 2023, that race is again very topical, again for the wrong reasons. Earlier this year, former F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone said in an interview that he and then FIA president Max Mosley were already aware of the cheating in 2008, but did not intervene at the time “to protect the sport from a major scandal.” Former driver Felipe Massa has wanted to file a lawsuit against F1 and the FIA ​​since Ecclestone’s interview. Massa initially led that race, but saw his lead evaporate due to the safety car that Piquet Jr. caused. In the ensuing chaos in the pit lane, Ferrari sent him away with the fuel hose still hanging on his car: Massa ultimately finished outside the points after that drama and saw title rival Lewis Hamilton score six. The Briton eventually won the World Cup by just one point ahead of Massa.Massa, who has been retired from F1 for several years, stated earlier this year that he is mainly looking for financial compensation. However, recent comments from his lawyers seem to indicate that he also wants to claim the 2008 world title. A soup, in other words: to be continued undoubtedly. Felipe Massa. — © AP