Max Verstappen has one of the most remarkable records in the history of Formula 1, having won a race at all but one circuit on the current 24-race calendar.
The only track where the four-time World Champion has failed to taste victory is the spectacular Marina Bay Street Circuit, the host of the Singapore Grand Prix.
His inability to conquer the high-downforce street circuit is a unique anomaly in a career defined by utter dominance.
The statistics are astonishing.
The Dutch driver has won at 23 different circuits, closing in on Lewis Hamilton's record of 31 unique victories.
Yet, the Singapore Grand Prix remains his one piece of "unfinished business" in the sport, making the night race a crucial test of his capabilities.
The curse of the Marina Bay Street Circuit
Since his debut in 2015, the Red Bull star has raced in Singapore eight times, with his best finish being a second place in both 2018 and 2024.
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Despite his success elsewhere, the tight, twisty, and physically demanding nature of the circuit has never suited the Red Bull car's characteristics.
The circuit has often been a source of frustration and bad luck for the Dutchman.
In 2022, he was forced to abort a pole-setting lap in qualifying due to a fuel shortage, and his race ended on the first lap in 2017 after he was caught in a collision at the start.
His results, which include one retirement and an average finish of 4.7, are a stark contrast to his usual winning ways.
Why a win in Singapore is so important for the title
A victory at the Marina Bay Street Circuit is crucial for Max Verstappen's title hopes this season.
After closing the gap to Oscar Piastri to 69 points, the Red Bull star needs to maintain his momentum.
The circuit's high-downforce demands will test the team's car upgrades, which have performed well at lower-downforce circuits like Monza and Baku.
Verstappen has made it clear that he views the race as a pivotal moment in his season.
The circuit is the only track on the current calendar that he has never won at, and a victory this weekend would not only boost his championship hopes but also prove that the Red Bull RB21 is capable of performing on all types of circuits.
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