AN UNFORGETABLE NIGHT IN SINGAPORE FOR LANDO AND THE TEAM
Lando Norris delivered an unforgettable performance at the 2024 Singapore Grand Prix, cementing his reputation as one of Formula 1’s brightest stars. From setting the fastest lap on Friday to securing pole position on Saturday and clinching victory on Sunday, Norris proved unstoppable in a weekend of pure dominance.
Starting from pole, Norris took control of the race early, pulling ahead of Max Verstappen and leaving Lewis Hamilton unable to mount a serious challenge. Red Bull’s Verstappen stayed close during the opening laps, but by lap eight, McLaren called on Norris to unleash his pace. In response, he widened the gap to 4.7 seconds by lap 10 and never looked back, finishing a remarkable 20 seconds ahead of Verstappen, with teammate Oscar Piastri completing the podium in third.
Starting from pole, Norris took control of the race early, pulling ahead of Max Verstappen and leaving Lewis Hamilton unable to mount a serious challenge. Red Bull’s Verstappen stayed close during the opening laps, but by lap eight, McLaren called on Norris to unleash his pace. In response, he widened the gap to 4.7 seconds by lap 10 and never looked back, finishing a remarkable 20 seconds ahead of Verstappen, with teammate Oscar Piastri completing the podium in third.
“The car was amazing. I could push, we were flying the whole race, and at the end, I could just chill. It was an amazing race,” said a breathless Norris after his third Formula 1 victory. However, the win wasn’t without drama, as Norris had a few brushes with the walls around the tight and treacherous Marina Bay Street Circuit. Despite those “close calls,” Norris maintained that everything was under control, even as his team held their breath.
Singapore’s Grand Prix is known for being one of the most physically demanding races on the F1 calendar, with high heat, humidity, and a relentless series of corners. Even with a comfortable lead, Norris pushed hard throughout the 62-lap race. “I was definitely pushing. Probably too much, hence the mistakes I made with the wall... Despite the gap, I kept pushing,” he admitted.
Norris wasn’t the only McLaren driver to shine under the Singapore lights. Oscar Piastri, starting fifth, climbed two places to secure a valuable third-place finish. The young Australian praised his team’s strategy and the car’s performance, saying, “It was a great recovery from qualifying, so to get back on the podium is fantastic. The car’s been exceptional all weekend, and we’ve got some great points for the team.”
With this 1-3 finish, McLaren extended its lead in the Constructors’ Championship by 41 points, while Norris reignited his title hopes. Now 52 points behind the championship leader with six races remaining, the Brit is firmly back in the fight for the Drivers’ Championship.
The MCL38’s performance in Singapore confirms McLaren’s growing strength, and with the next race in Austin, Texas, the team is optimistic about their chances. However, as Norris noted, flawless execution and strategy will be critical in the races ahead. “I haven’t always capitalized on those opportunities, but today, we got it right,” he reflected.
As McLaren continues its chase for championship glory, the next few weeks will be crucial in determining their fate in this intense 2024 season.
