(Motorsports news) Red Bull faced a perplexing lack of performance during last weekend’s Singapore race, which resulted in both drivers crashing out of the second phase of qualifying when neither Max Verstappen nor Sergio Perez could improve on their last Q2 runs. Suzuka, according to Perez, “should be one of the best circuits” for the RB19 package, which has proved a particularly strong vehicle in corners requiring high-speed downforce and quick changes of direction.

In addition to Perez’s remarks, Hamilton praised Red Bull’s current car, claiming that it should be “30 seconds” ahead of the rest of the pack in race trim. “I’d think something’s up if they’re not 30 seconds ahead like they’ve been in the past,” Hamilton remarked. “As Red Bull’s Checo mentioned, the previous weekend was obviously difficult, but that car should be phenomenal here.” They’ve been fantastic all year. They’ve dominated almost every circuit.

“It’ll be fun to watch that car in general. Normally, you’d come here because it’s nice to watch the laps they do. The entire squad, including the drivers, is performing admirably given the circumstances. “I’m looking forward to seeing how the weekend goes.” I’m hoping we’ll be closer, and that they won’t be as fast as the 30-second difference.”

Reflecting on Mercedes’ own pace at the Marina Bay circuit, Hamilton believes Mercedes was not too much ahead of the race pace of the Ferraris and Lando Norris’ McLaren – but he does not expect a repetition at Suzuka. Hamilton and George Russell were outperformed by the Red Bulls and Ferraris in last year’s qualifying session at the Japanese circuit – and overlapped with the Alpines on single-lap performance. Hamilton finished fifth in a rain-shortened race.

“I’m not sure if that’s true that Mercedes had the best race pace,” Hamilton stated. Carlos was in charge at the front. We were all relatively close to the front, I’d guess. “But what a great race it was, just having us all up front.” I don’t think we’ll be able to replicate our performance from the previous race this weekend. “We work very hard to keep pushing the envelope that we have.” I’m hoping we won’t be too far away this weekend.”

Also read: Red Bull’s F1 opponents expect it to recover quickly in Japan