Nico Rosberg explains what will make Red Bull ‘scared’ after Singapore Grand Prix

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Max Verstappen exits the Singapore Grand Prix having finished 20 seconds behind title rival Lando Norris.

The Briton produced a commanding victory at the wheel of his McLaren, converting his pole position into a win and leading every lap of the race.

Lando Norris was over 20 seconds ahead of Max Verstappen before the first round of stops after setting several fastest laps, after McLaren told him that they would ideally want to have a five-second margin over his rival.

Martin Brundle thought it was ‘extraordinary’ the McLaren was able to build up a gap to Verstappen, considering where they were at the start of the season.

Discussing McLaren’s form on Sky Sports, former F1 driver and 2016 World Champion Nico Rosberg explained why he thinks Norris’ display will leave Red Bull worried about their title defence going forward.

Nico Rosberg says Red Bull will be ‘scared’ of Lando Norris in title defence

McLaren has scored the most points of any team in the last seven races, having taken the lead in the Constructors’ Championship following the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.

Verstappen only sits 52 points ahead of Norris in the Drivers’ Championship and is starting to see his lead fade every race, as McLaren demonstrates just how versatile their car is at all circuit types.

Rosberg believes this will leave them ‘scared’ heading into the final six races of the season, as they attempt to limit the damage done.

“It’s more than a win, it’s that performance and the speed today. That’s going to have Red Bull really scared because with that speed until the end of the year, it’s realistic that Lando can win all the remaining races and for Max to come second is difficult,” said Rosberg.

Red Bull uses Daniel Ricciardo to steal points off Lando Norris

Norris was initially on course to achieve 26 points but had his bonus for the fastest lap denied when Daniel Ricciardo made a late pit stop for a set of soft tyres.

The Australian lost two positions to Magnussen and Ocon late in the race, then elected to stop when it was clear he could help Verstappen conserve as many points as possible.

READ MORE: Max Verstappen stunned after watching terrifying Lando Norris moment during Singapore Grand Prix win

RB pitted Ricciardo on the penultimate lap, which enabled him to set his timed effort on the final lap of the race and snatch the bonus point away from Norris.

This means Verstappen can retain his championship lead if he finishes second to Norris at every one of the final race, regardless of whether the McLaren driver will earn the fastest lap point.