Singapore GP - Race

Hello @Stratastic
Sep 22, 2024
4 min read

Updated: Jan 30

Singapore GP

Race

September 22, 2024

Lando Norris put on a spectacular performance at the Singapore Grand Prix. From start to finish, Norris dominated the race, leaving his rival Max Verstappen trailing behind. By leading all 62 laps with precision and determination, Norris not only secured the victory but also demonstrated his ability to maintain focus and consistency throughout the demanding race.

Finishing with a remarkable 20.9-second advantage, underscored Norris's mastery on the track and his capability to outperform even the toughest competition.

By securing victory, Norris cut seven points from Verstappen's lead, missing out on an additional point for the fastest lap due to Daniel Ricciardo's late move.

Ricciardo, driving for the Red Bull-owned RB team, finished in 18th place and did not earn the fastest lap point, impacting Norris' chances despite a strong performance.

"Thank you, Daniel," Verstappen commented over the team radio upon being informed that Ricciardo had achieved the fastest lap, surpassing Norris.

With six rounds left, Verstappen's lead in the championship has grown to 52 points, three of which include sprint races during the weekend.

When questioned about the narrowing gap post-race, Verstappen commented: "Yeah it is. But this can also change very quickly again.

"We need to keep on trying and, of course, at one point try to overturn it again and not be always finishing behind. But we'll see how it goes."

Even though Norris was comfortably in the lead for most of the race, he made contact with the wall twice. The first incident occurred on lap 29 at the exit of Turn 14, and the second one happened on lap 45 at the entry to Turn 10.

The first collision resulted in minor damage to his front wing, but McLaren decided not to replace it during his pit stop. Fortunately, his car seemed to have avoided any damage from the second incident.

"It was an amazing race' , According to Norris.

"A few too many close calls - I had a couple of little moments in the middle, but it was well controlled I think, otherwise.

"The car was mega, I could push and we were flying the whole race. It was a nice race. Still tough, I'm a bit out of breath, but very fun one."

Oscar Piastri, Norris' teammate, clinched third place despite starting fifth on the grid, contributing to McLaren's expansion of their lead in the constructors' championship to 41 points over Red Bull. Piastri executed overtakes on both Mercedes cars in the latter part of the race to secure a spot on the podium.

George Russell secured fourth place by fending off a late challenge from Charles Leclerc of Ferrari, who finished fifth after starting from ninth position.

Lewis Hamilton slipped from third on the grid to sixth at the conclusion of the race, following Mercedes' strategy to begin on soft tires instead of the more common choice of mediums, which led to an early pit stop and performance struggles in the latter part of the race.

Carlos Sainz advanced from a tenth-place start to finish seventh, ahead of Fernando Alonso from Aston Martin in eighth and Nico Hulkenberg from Haas in ninth.

Sergio Perez claimed the final point in tenth place after starting 13th, denying Franco Colapinto from Williams, who finished 11th, his second points finish in his first three Formula 1 races.

The next race of the championship is scheduled to take place in Austin, Texas on October 20.

When questioned about Verstappen's race being isolated, trailing 20 seconds behind Norris, he responded: "Yeah, that pretty much sums up my race. I tried my best to manage my pace until the end. The initial stint was challenging, focusing on handling tire wear, while the second stint was slightly better and I felt more at ease."

"I think on a weekend where we knew we were going to struggle to be P2 is a good achievement, but of course we're not happy with second and now we have to prove more and more."

Afterwards, Norris mentioned: "It was an amazing race, a few too many close calls. A couple of moments in the middle but it was well controlled I think and the car was mega so I could push and we were fine the whole race. It was tough, I'm a bit out of breath.

"It was good have maximum points and have Oscar here on the podium and a good day for the team."

Despite maintaining a comfortable lead throughout the race, Norris made contact with the wall twice. The first incident occurred on lap 29 at the exit of Turn 14, resulting in minor damage to his front wing. However, McLaren did not find it necessary to replace it during his pit stop. The second contact happened on lap 45 at the entry to Turn 10, but his car seemed to have escaped unharmed.

Norris' McLaren teammate, Oscar Piastri, finished third after starting fifth on the grid. He executed overtakes on both Mercedes cars in the latter part of the race to secure a place on the podium.

George Russell from Mercedes claimed fourth place, successfully defending against a late challenge from Charles Leclerc of Ferrari, who finished fifth.

Lewis Hamilton slipped from third on the grid to sixth at the end of the race. Opting to start on soft tires instead of the more common medium choice led to an early pit stop and performance struggles in the latter part of the race.

Carlos Sainz climbed from a tenth-place start to finish seventh, ahead of Fernando Alonso from Aston Martin in eighth and Nico Hulkenberg from Haas in ninth.

Sergio Perez claimed the final point in tenth place after starting 13th in qualifying. This denied Franco Colapinto from Williams, who finished 11th, a second points finish in his first three Formula 1 races.he last lap but hopefully everybody is OK, but not a great day for the team."