Verstappen Wins Singapore Sprint and Flags Red Bull Start Issue

Max Verstappen secured his first victory at the Marina Bay Street Circuit in the Singapore Grand Prix Sprint after a weather-delayed start, but the Red Bull Racing driver raised concerns about his team's launch performance and the challenge ahead in qualifying.

According to Motorsport.com, the race began after a 30-minute delay with drivers using intermediate tyres. Verstappen started from pole but lost the lead to Mercedes driver George Russell at Turn 1 after a poor getaway.

Russell later spun and crashed into the pit wall at the end of the opening lap, allowing Verstappen to take the sprint victory. The four-time world champion said Red Bull must investigate its recurring start problems.

"Yeah, I mean, the whole year my starts have been terrible," said Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing driver.

Verstappen described the issue as a major weakness during the 2026 campaign and said the team needs to find the cause of its launch problems.

"So we need to really do something different and try to understand what our issues are," said Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing driver.

The Red Bull driver compared his team's starts with those of its sister squad, Racing Bulls, which he said has shown stronger launches in some races.

"Because Racing Bulls, sometimes they do have good starts," said Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing driver.

Verstappen said the difference indicates Red Bull needs to improve before the main Grand Prix.

"So we are clearly doing something wrong. And that's what we need to try and do better for sure tomorrow," said Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing driver.

After taking pole in Friday's Sprint Shootout, Verstappen expected a closer qualifying contest because the regular format gives drivers more opportunities to adjust their pace on soft tyres.

"It's a target, but for sure it will be a tough battle," said Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing driver.

He explained that the sprint qualifying format can produce unpredictable results because drivers have limited soft tyre running before their final attempts.

"Because in sprint, qualifying is sometimes a bit hit and miss. When you do medium, medium and then only one run on the soft, sometimes you get it right, sometimes you don't," said Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing driver.

Verstappen added that the standard qualifying session could bring rivals closer because they can complete more runs and refine their performance.

"So now in qualifying, everyone on the soft has more goals added," said Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing driver.

He said repeated soft tyre runs help drivers build consistency before their final qualifying attempts.

"So normally they get to fine-tune, and they get into a rhythm. And that naturally makes it more difficult," said Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing driver.