Norris plays down threat of 'Singapore repeat' affecting Verstappen

Lando Norris has cooled suggestions that Red Bull could face a similar situation to Singapore in Las Vegas this weekend.

The Singapore Grand Prix remains the only event this year that Red Bull has failed to win as it struggled with the setup of its car throughout the event.

F1 is making its debut venture around the Las Vegas Strip Circuit this weekend, marking the first street race since Singapore in mid-September.

Max Verstappen ended that particular race in fifth place while Ferrari's Carlos Sainz took the victory to break Red Bull's win streak.

But Norris has stated that Las Vegas' layout is more similar to a low-downforce configuration such as Monza, which will play to Red Bull's strengths.

“If we look back to Monza, he [Verstappen] was way quicker than everyone pretty much,” Norris told media including RacingNews365.

“It could be another Singapore-style-type thing but unlikely. There's just a lot of guessing and there's no point guessing.

“I know you just want to get us to say things but there are always the chances and possibilities, a small chance of rain and things like that.

“Maybe it will play into your hands at certain points. It can go any way.”

Norris coy over Las Vegas chances

McLaren has been enjoying a strong resurgence this year after commencing the season towards the back of the grid.

Norris has taken five podiums in the last six races as successful development has seen it make strides up the order.

But the Briton is hesitant to beef up his chances of success around Las Vegas as he doesn't believe the team will be as competitive as it has been at recent events.

“I don't like this question anymore,” he said. “I'm always wrong, whatever I say.

“I'm extremely pleased with how we've done the last few weeks, especially in Mexico and Brazil.

“We're a big chunk better than we were expecting, especially in Brazil, to be so far ahead of the majority and close to Red Bull through a lot of the race was definitely not something we were expecting.

“It's a tough one. This will remind you a little bit more of Baku and Monza-type races which weren't our best and definitely towards the weaker side.

“There are the long straights and low downforce is not where our priority has been this season with developments and all of those things, because there are so few races like it.

“Maybe not as confident as we have been the last few weekends.”