Max Verstappen’s team radio reaction as Red Bull pull off 1000 IQ strategy that could define the championship

Max Verstappen issued a three-word response after Red Bull managed to pull off a last-ditch strategy at the Singapore Grand Prix.

On Sunday, the 20 best drivers in the world lined up at the Marina Bay Street Circuit for the much-anticipated Singapore Grand Prix.

McLaren star Lando Norris qualified in pole position ahead of title rival Verstappen and seven-time Formula 1 world champion Lewis Hamilton.

Under the lights in Singapore, Norris produced a commanding performance as he led from start to finish to secure a much-needed victory.

However, the Brit was denied an extra point after he had the fastest lap time ripped away by Verstappen’s former teammate Daniel Ricciardo, who was driving for the Red Bull sister team, RB.

Ricciardo was told to pit towards the end of the race and with new tyres on, managed to put in the fastest lap of the Grand Prix, which took a point away from Norris.

As a result, the gap between Norris and Verstappen in the standings is 52 points with just six races to go.

After the race, Red Bull team boss Christian Horner said: “Well done Max you got every ounce of out of the car.”

The Dutchman’s race engineer, Gianpiero Lambiase added: “Your old pal Daniel took the fastest lap at the end.”

To which Verstappen replied: “Thank you, Daniel.”

As the end of the season edges ever closer, every point is crucial and the one Norris missed out on today could prove to be vital for Verstappen as he looks to defend his F1 crown.

Speaking after the race, Norris said: “It was an amazing race. A few too many close calls – I had a couple of little moments in the middle – but it was well controlled, I think, otherwise.

“The car was mega. I could push, we were flying the whole race, and at the end could just chill. So it was a nice race, still tough, I’m a bit out of breath, but a fun one.”

Verstappen said: “I was by myself. I tried to do the best I could and manage my own pace to the end. The first stint was a bit difficult for us, quite a bit of tyre degradation.

“The second stint was a bit better, I was a bit more comfortable.”