Max Verstappen returned to the top step of the F1 podium in Sepang and Singapore.

Just a few months ago, in the summer break, Red Bull considered their car a ‘flop’ under the new 2026 regulations.

But Red Bull‘s upgrades have helped to drag them back to competing for pole positions and race victories, with Max Verstappen winning the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia followed by victory at the Singapore Grand Prix.

Who will complete a full set of wins on each F1 circuit first, Lewis Hamilton or Max Verstappen?

Both Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen do not have wins at three circuits on the 2027 F1 calendar

Inside Red Bull’s strategy brief that led to Max Verstappen victory

During the Singapore weekend, it has been argued that Ferrari had the fastest car on the grid, but their strategy decisions cost them massively.

In particular, Lewis Hamilton’s strategy blunder cost him valuable positions, while Charles Leclerc was accused of ‘bottling it’ against Verstappen on the race start.

Oracle Red Bull Racing have published footage of the team’s strategy briefing ahead of the Singapore Grand Prix, and the unsung role of Hannah Schmitz is once again outlined.

Schmitz, speaking to Verstappen, detailed the exact strategy that led to Red Bull’s victory later in the day.

 “So, expecting a majority one-stop race today. Starting with Max: I recommend we start with the new soft and follow a one-stop race from soft to medium,” Schmitz said.

“I think the main aim is obviously to maintain the lead at the start and then ideally pull a comfortable gap to those behind us. If we do fall behind one or two cars at the start, then I think we try to stay close and see if we can get an undercut opportunity.”

Verstappen replied: “I do think that if you go longer, they quite easily are back in the safety car window I think. I’m not sure if that’s enough then to offset in terms of tyre grip if you want to pass them.”

Schmitz nodded in agreement: “I agree. I think it’s then difficult to pass, so it’s really then the safety car you are hoping for. If you are in the lead, then that’s fine.”

Red Bull’s strategy played out exactly as discussed, with Verstappen starting brightly on the soft tyre, and executing a one-stop strategy onto the medium tyres with a pit stop on lap 32 – over half race distance.

Despite Verstappen’s radio breaking, which forced race engineer Gianpiero Lambiase to resort to coded communication, Red Bull executed their strategy flawlessly to secure victory.

Schmitz has been linked to Ferrari, and the Red Bull strategist has once again shown why she is among the best in the F1 paddock.