F1 2018: 5 Early Predictions for the Singapore GP

With only seven races remaining in the 2018 Formula One Season, we head to Singapore for one of F1's most exciting races. Last year, we saw Ferrari throw the season away as Kimi Raikkonen and Sebastian Vettel collided, essentially handing both championships to Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes. This year, with potentially the best car on the grid, Vettel arrives in Singapore with a 30 point deficit to his title rival.

If Ferrari hope to pull this championship battle back into their court, they will have to seriously put their heads down and work for every race. The Italian outfit can afford no more mistakes, and Mercedes have this championship to lose. Meanwhile, in the midfield, drivers jockey for position in the midst of an eccentric silly season. It's set to be an exhilarating Singapore GP, but what lies ahead, is hard to tell. However, like always, that won't stop us from taking our shots

#1 The Grid is a Red Bull Sandwich

However, we say the grid will be a Red Bull sandwich as we see Max crashing out in Quali, being forced to the back of the grid and leaving Ricciardo to take pole. Max quite feasibly could have taken pole at Monaco this year, but an error during Qualifying caused him to crash out.

Verstappen has been seen to be maturing, but we think the Dutchman's fiery nature will get the better of him in Singapore and lead his car into the wall somewhere.

While Max Verstappen is undoubtedly one of the most promising talents in F1, he has yet to take a pole position in the series. Due to the aerodynamic efficiency of the Red Bull car, and the fact that Singapore isn't the most power dependent circuit, we believe that both the Dutchman and Daniel Ricciardo will be favorites for pole.

#2 Stroll to Force India, Ocon to Williams

One of the most dynamic stories of the 2018 F1 silly season has been that of the debacle between Force India, Esteban Ocon and Lance & Lawrence Stroll. With the young Canadian's father buying the 'Pink Panthers', Lance Stroll has been heavily rumored to be getting a Force India seat, sooner rather than later. Meanwhile, it has been to the agony of many of his fans, that Ocon has been rumored to be the one being pushed out as Perez has allegedly solidified his place in the team.

While there have been talks of Ocon being booted out of F1 for good, we believe that Ocon's backers will negotiate a deal that will see him switch to Williams for the time being. There is of course the question of Robert Kubica, who has been test driving for Williams and has also been penned to replace Stroll.

However, with the backing that Ocon has been getting from fans, and his peers namely Toto Wolff, we believe that he will be able to negotiate a seat at Williams for now. At the Singapore GP, we do indeed expect to see Ocon in White and Stroll in Pink.

#3 Bottas plays Wingman again

While it may not be to his liking, Valtteri Bottas has been essentially relegated to playing a supporting role at Mercedes for now. Having a string of bad luck at the beginning of the season that has pushed him out of title contention, the Finn has been rear gunner for the four-time world champ for the last few races.

At Monza, we saw Bottas go long in a successful attempt at destroying Kimi Raikkonen's tires to make it easier for Hamilton to take the victory. Furthermore, in Hungary, Mercedes boss, Toto Wolff himself called Bottas a 'wingman' for Hamilton. Bottas could be world champion one day, but it will almost certainly not be this season.

That is why, at Singapore, we believe that Mercedes will outright have Bottas's strategy reflect that of a number two driver. The Silver Arrows cannot afford to lose their lead over Ferrari and considering that their car seems to have a slight disadvantage to the Scuderia, Lewis will need all the help he can get.

#4 Vandoorne is P6 or above to prove McLaren wrong

Between Monza and Singapore, one of the most startling pieces of news to come out was that McLaren will be going with an all new driver lineup in 2019. Partnering Carlos Sainz will not be the Belgian, but instead F2 McLaren junior driver, Lando Norris. While this is a great opportunity for Norris, it is indeed a huge loss for F1 if Stoffel Vandoorne doesn't land a seat next year.

Vandoorne was one of the most dominating GP2 winners in his time, and it seems a little hasty that McLaren aren't giving him another chance, especially when their car has not been the most effective machinery. Therefore, we see the Belgian coming into Singapore with a chip on his shoulder and showing the fans his talent by placing in the top 6.

Whether this comes about due to many incidents, or somehow through the Papaya McLaren getting some wind beneath its wings is up in the air. However, if only for one race, we see Stoffel Vandoorne showing F1 what he can really do.

#5 Ricciardo's last win for Red Bull

The Australian fan favorite driver shocked us all earlier this year when he announced that he would be leaving Red Bull for Renault in 2019. This means that sometime in the next seven races, we could possibly see Ricciardo's last win for a while, unless Renault improve drastically. Because of how much the Singapore circuit favors the Red Bull car, we see the Honey Badger getting his last win in Dark Blue here.

Ricciardo managed to win Monaco without electric power, showing everyone exactly how good he can be when he's in front. Everyone knows Ricciardo is a surefire contender when all is equal, and even when the odds are against him, therefore it doesn't seem like a far cry that the Australian will pick up a win at Singapore. I

we're being optimistic, then who knows, sneaky as a snake Ricciardo could win his first race with Renault! But for now, we'll be realistic and day that 'Big Ricc Energy' gets his last win for a while under the lights in Singapore.

Edited by Raunak J