Max Verstappen's Singapore Grand Prix became about managing several issues with his RB21 whilst maintaining second place.
Verstappen arrived at the Marina Bay Circuit knowing it had been a bogey venue for Red Bull in recent seasons. However, Red Bull's upgraded floor continued to work well, as did a new front wing the team introduced in Singapore.
The Dutchman missed out on pole position but did secure a front row start, before gambling in the grand prix by starting on soft tyres.
With those around him on the mediums, Verstappen had hoped to get ahead of pole-sitter George Russell into the first corner, although poor grip levels on the left-side of the circuit resulted in a bad start.
Verstappen settled into second but quickly encountered tyre degradation issues, allowing Lando Norris in third to get within DRS range.
It meant an earlier pit stop than planned was required, making the race one of defence rather than attack for the reigning world champion.
"We gambled by opting for the soft tyres," Verstappen told Viaplay. "The problem was that the inside had very little grip at the start, so we tried to force something with the soft tyre.
"That didn't work, and then it was survival in the first stint to keep the tyres whole. We also had to go to the hard tyres a little earlier, but the biggest problem was in other things."
Tyre concerns were not Verstappen's biggest problem though, as he complained of issues with downshifts, upshifts, general balance and braking.
"We had a lot of problems with downshifting and upshifting," added Verstappen. "The car was also very nervous at the back. None of that made it easy throughout the race."
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Verstappen's gear shift problems
Singapore was not the first time Verstappen has complained this season about gear shift issues with the RB21, with it perhaps being the most consistent complaint this year.
Around a circuit where over 5,000 gear shifts are made during the race, it made the grand prix one of "survival" for Verstappen.
"The car was pushing when downshifting all the time," explained the 28-year-old. "I had to adjust the balance a lot. When downshifting, the car pushes through, but in terms of balance, you have oversteer.
"That's very difficult to control and because of that I blocked at times. It was more survival and trying to hold on to second place."
Having to deal with the gear shift issues came as a surprise to Verstappen, who was disappointed not to fight for victory.
However, he conceded after the race that Red Bull made changes to the car during the weekend which negatively impacted the RB21's performance, regardless of the shift problems.
Asked if the problems came as a surprise, Verstappen replied: "Surprised of course by shifting gears. We hadn't done a very good long run in the free practice sessions, no one for that matter had.
"But during the weekend we did have to make some adjustments to the car. I think that still had a bit of a negative impact on the race."
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