Lando Norris won Sunday’s (Sept. 22) Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix by a massive margin over Max Verstappen, taking seven points out of Verstappen’s championship lead in the process.
Norris started the race from pole position and put up a dominant pace to find the checkered flag some 20 seconds clear of Verstappen by the end of the 62-lap race. Oscar Piastri finished third ahead of George Russell and Charles Leclerc.
“That was an amazing race,” Norris said. “A few too many close calls, a couple of little moments in the middle. It was well-controlled otherwise and the car was mega. I could push. We were flying all race and at the end could just chill. It was a nice race; still tough, I’m a bit out of breath. But a fun one!”
Norris’ victory fetches him 25 points compared to the 17 points claimed by second-placed Verstappen. This brings Verstappen’s lead to 52 points with six races remaining.
“I tried to do the best I could, tried to manage my own pace until the end,” Verstappen said after the race. “I think the first stint was a bit difficult for us, quite a bit of tire degradation. The second stint was a bit better, I was a bit more comfortable as well. I think on a weekend where we knew we were going to struggle, being P2 is an achievement, plus we are happy with second.”
Daniel Ricciardo, potentially in his last race for Visa Cash App Racing Bulls, took fastest lap at the last moment, robbing Norris of an extra point as the McLaren driver held the fastest lap of the race until that point.
“Yeah it is,” Verstappen said when reminded by David Coulthard that his championship lead is shrinking. “But this also can change very quickly again. We just need to keep on trying. Of course, at one point, try to overturn it a bit, not always finishing behind. But we’ll see how that goes.”
Ricciardo’s efforts earned him Driver of the Day honors in what some have suggested will be the final race of his F1 career. Red Bull has been rumored to be preparing to announce Liam Lawson as the driver of the second RB car for the rest of 2024 following the conclusion of this weekend.
Alexander Albon was the race’s first retiree after his Williams began to overheat, ending his evening after 15 laps. Albon’s teammate Franco Colapinto went on to finish 11th in his third F1 start.
Kevin Magnussen likewise retired in the race’s final laps, but a reason was not immediately communicated by the…
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