Verstappen says Singapore start problem came before clutch release

Red Bull driver Max Verstappen said the problem with his start at Sunday's Singapore Grand Prix had appeared before he released the clutch. In recent weeks, he said, trouble had come when he released it; this time he wanted to understand what was happening with the engine beforehand because he believed it had hurt his launch.

Verstappen nevertheless held his position, describing the start as critical but only just good enough. He said a separate problem with how the car delivered power lasted a few laps and nearly let Charles Leclerc pass him at Turn 7; the issue then cleared.