The oppressive warmth challenged many on the Singapore GP, however Lando Norris largely saved his cool, securing his third win of the season and additional closing the hole to Max Verstappen within the title race. Listed below are the principle takeaways from the Marina Bay weekend.
1. Lando Norris’s (im)potential mission continues to be doable
Lando Norris dominated the Singapore GP, constructing a 20-second lead by lap 25, a feat harking back to Max Verstappen’s 2023 victories. The MCL38 had a transparent aerodynamic benefit, however Norris capitalized on it, beginning robust and steadily rising his lead. Regardless of two dangerous moments the place he brushed the wall, Norris remained in management. To win the title, he might want to replicate this efficiency six extra occasions and succeed within the dash races as effectively.
2. Ferrari had promised to combat for the win earlier than catastrophe struck in qualifying
Charles Leclerc confirmed good efficiency in FP1 and FP2, suggesting Ferrari may very well be aggressive in Singapore. Nevertheless, the Maranello staff’s pace pale in FP3. Throughout qualifying, a mistake by Carlos Sainz compromised his teammate’s first Q3 try. After a lap on chilly tires, his remaining time was canceled for exceeding observe limits, leaving each drivers on the fifth row and limiting their alternatives within the race.
3. The explanation behind Max’s silence through the FIA press convention
Max Verstappen took on a extra abrupt angle throughout FIA press conferences after being penalized for swearing. Discovering the state of affairs “foolish,” he selected to present quick solutions. Exterior the press room, he voiced his frustration: “This stuff positively have an effect on my future. When you may’t be your self and should take care of this nonsense… I’m at a stage in my profession the place I don’t need to take care of it anymore. It’s actually exhausting.”
4. McLaren’s “mini-DRS” will get blocked
The rear wing of the McLaren MCL38 attracted consideration after the Baku race when photos confirmed a slight opening within the decrease corners of the wing through the lengthy straight. This modification, designed to cut back drag and enhance acceleration, helped Oscar Piastri maintain off Charles Leclerc. Nevertheless, the FIA requested McLaren to switch it in order that it wouldn’t open with out DRS activation. This adjustment was not current on the wing utilized in Singapore, nevertheless it might impression future races, just like the one in Las Vegas.
5. Mercedes’s sizzling night
The enthusiastic feedback from Mercedes drivers about setup enhancements clashed with Sunday’s actuality, when Lewis Hamilton and George Russell, affected by warmth exhaustion, completed fourth and sixth respectively. George Russell complained of understeer and oversteer points, whereas Lewis Hamilton made an early pit cease for arduous tires, unable to fend off Charles Leclerc. “We will’t cover the truth that the automobile is just too sluggish,” mentioned Toto Wolff, calling the day “an actual ache.” He defined that Mercedes struggles on sizzling, demanding circuits like Singapore and Baku when it comes to traction, including that the present state of affairs is under the staff’s expectations, particularly when the very best result’s a minute behind the chief.
6. Daniel Ricciardo, the final dance?
Rumors about Daniel Ricciardo’s potential remaining weekend in F1 have intensified, with RB prepared to advertise Liam Lawson. Ricciardo didn’t make it previous Q1 and struggled through the race, ending with a remaining pit cease in an try and set the quickest lap. After the race, he mentioned it wasn’t a “fairytale ending,” hinting at a possible retirement. Other than his 2021 Monza win, his journey after transferring from Purple Bull to Renault in 2019 hasn’t been optimistic. His second probability in 2023 was already hindered by an damage, and he hasn’t proven sufficient to justify staying. If that is certainly his farewell, his persona will likely be missed.
Sep 24, 2024
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