Many of Max Verstappen’s rivals have praised his performance as he arrives in Singapore this year to complete his second world championship in five races.
While Charles Leclerc or Sergio Perez have little chance of overturning Verstappen’s lead of more than 100 points, many of his rivals will be grateful for his work in making the championship an early finale.
Verstappen has won the last five races in a row, despite only starting from the first pole position. Other wins came from seventh (Monza), 10th (Hanging) and 14th (Spa).
Esteban Ocon: “It’s an amazing season. “Especially the way Max was starting from the back and flying through the field, knowing where to put the car, I think that was just as impressive as the first lap.
“I think he was at the top of his game this year. So congratulations after winning the championship.
The season did not start well for Verstappen. His two retirements in the first three races put him 46 points behind Leclerc. However, he quickly caught up, passed and outdistanced his rival.
Haas’ Mick Schumacher said: “It’s amazing what he’s done. He had a tough start to the season but has turned around well with Red Bull.
Lando Norris says Verstappen is “obviously doing an unbelievable job” as he prepares to clinch his second successive title. “The team gave him a great car to do it.
I think everyone expects the same, especially after last year, you see the battles you did and how hard it is to produce a good car and to get these results every weekend, especially when you start at the last. And he still wins easily. It’s also nice to see when you’re in the car yourself. But good was done to them all.
However, Verstappen’s former team-mate Alexander Albon said: “He wants us to wait until he wins before we comment on it.”
“But obviously it’s amazing,” he added. “Also, you have to give credit to Red Bull. I think they’ve improved their car a lot over the year and they seem to have taken it a step further. I don’t want to say they’re pulling away from the others, but they’re obviously doing a really good job.
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2022 Singapore Grand Prix
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