Oscar Piastri’s win last week at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix put McLaren top in the teams’ standings — the key to F1’s lavish prize money — but teammate Norris only took a small bite out of Verstappen’s lead.

Verstappen is not upbeat about Red Bull's chances ahead of the Singapore GP, though he hopes for better fortunes than last year

The three-time world champion was called to see the stewards in Singapore following the first free practice session on Friday, after which the FIA announced that he was in breach of their international sporting code and would be forced to undertake duties similar to community service within F1.