Verstappen confident Red Bull can 'be a threat' in Singapore

Max Verstappen is confident that Red Bull can "be a threat" to Formula 1 front-runners Ferrari and Mercedes through this weekend's Singapore Grand Prix after being encouraged by the team's progress since the last street race in Monaco.

Ferrari enters the Singapore weekend as the favourite given its form on the tighter tracks so far this season, claiming one-two finishes in both Monaco and Hungary.

With chassis strength set to be the biggest factor around the tight confines of the Marina Bay Street Circuit, Red Bull is expected to draw closer to the leading two teams than usual, with Verstappen upbeat about his chances.

"If we look to Monaco where our car was not as good as it is now, we were already competitive, especially in the race," Verstappen said.

"So I am definitely looking forward to the weekend. We can be strong. But we need to get the setup right.

"I really think we can be a threat. A lot of corners always suit us more and street circuits as well, and not too many straights, that is perfect."

When asked to put a percentage on beating Mercedes in Singapore, Verstappen said: "Difficult to give it a percentage, but we have a chance if we get everything right."