Mekies: Singapore could suit Red Bull better than Sepang

Red Bull still hopes the RB22 will suit Singapore better than Sepang, even after Max Verstappen's first Grand Prix win of the season in Malaysia. Mekies said Red Bull had probably expected Singapore to suit the car somewhat better even before the Sepang weekend began.

Mekies linked that view to Red Bull's relative performance in different kinds of corner. He said the team had struggled against rivals in medium- and high-speed corners at several circuits in the first part of the season, but had been relatively strong in slower turns. Singapore's tight, low-speed corners are a closer match for that strength than Sepang's faster sections.

Mekies also put a caveat on the Sepang comparison. He said the extreme heat, rough asphalt and circuit layout probably left most cars outside their ideal operating windows and may have affected the competitive order. He said it was difficult to estimate what rivals would do in Singapore, and that Red Bull would again try to adapt as well as possible.

In his broader post-Sepang outlook, Mekies said Red Bull could contend for podiums in the coming races, but that it was impossible to know whether the team could fight for wins at every circuit. He cited Mercedes' presence in the victory fight and strong spells from McLaren and Ferrari.