Lando Norris delivered a masterclass performance at the Singapore Grand Prix, securing a lights-to-flag victory for McLaren. Despite a couple of heart-stopping moments where he clipped the wall, the 24-year-old Brit remained unfazed, showcasing his exceptional skill and composure under pressure, says the Guardian.
This win marks Norris’ third of the season and his second in just four races, significantly narrowing the gap with championship leader Max Verstappen to a mere 52 points with six races to go. The McLaren driver’s dominance was undeniable as he crossed the finish line a staggering 21 seconds ahead of Verstappen, a testament to both his and the team’s exceptional performance.
Verstappen: A second place with a silver lining
Despite being comprehensively beaten, Max Verstappen found solace in his second-place finish. Red Bull had anticipated a challenging race in Singapore, given their car’s struggles with high-downforce corners and bumpy tracks. Securing second place and minimizing points lost to Norris exceeded the team’s expectations, offering a glimmer of hope for the upcoming Austin Grand Prix, where they plan to introduce new car developments.
This victory was precisely what Norris needed to maintain the pressure on Verstappen. Overcoming his season-long struggles with poor starts, Norris executed a perfect getaway, showcasing his and the team’s relentless efforts to improve. This win also marks McLaren’s first victory in Singapore since Lewis Hamilton’s triumph in 2009.
Race recap
Norris’ dominance was evident from the start as he maintained his lead, with Verstappen and Hamilton trailing behind. By lap three, Norris had already opened a comfortable gap, allowing him to manage his tyres in the scorching Singapore heat.
Hamilton, the only frontrunner to start on soft tyres, pitted early but found himself stuck in traffic after rejoining. Meanwhile, Russell, on a different strategy, pitted later and emerged in fourth, launching a pursuit of Verstappen.
Norris experienced a minor setback when he brushed the wall, causing slight damage to his front wing. However, McLaren opted not to replace it during his pit stop. Piastri, in the other McLaren, stayed out hoping for a safety car but eventually had to pit.
With the pit stops completed, Norris enjoyed a commanding lead. Piastri, now on fresher tires, quickly dispatched Hamilton and Russell, securing third place.
Despite another close encounter with the wall, Norris remained focused and continued to push, ultimately securing a well-deserved victory.
The F1 circus now heads to Austin for the next round. With the championship battle intensifying, all eyes will be on Norris and Verstappen as they continue their fight for the title.