🏎️ Norris Dominates in Singapore

In this week’s email:

• Norris Dominates in Singapore 🏆

• Daniel Ricciardo's Potential Farewell 😢

• FIA Urges F1 Drivers to Watch Their Language 🤬

Norris Dominates in Singapore 🏆

Lando Norris secured his third F1 win of the season at the Singapore Grand Prix. Finishing 20 seconds ahead of Max Verstappen. This victory narrows the championship gap to 52 points with Verstappen still in the lead.

Race Highlights:

• Dominant Start: Norris led from the first lap, quickly building an impressive 11.5-second gap by Lap 17.

• Turn 1 Chaos: The start saw several cars run wide, with Franco Colapinto impressively diving into the top 10.

• Tire Strategy: Lewis Hamilton pitted early for hard tires on Lap 19 but struggled with them soon after.

• Wing Damage: Norris reported front wing damage around Lap 30, but McLaren opted for a setup tweak instead of a full wing replacement.

Oscar Piastri Shines:
As the race progressed, Oscar Piastri took advantage of tire strategies, moving into second place after a bold late pit stop. He successfully overtook George Russell for the final podium position on Lap 45.

Final Moments:
Norris faced a scare by clipping the wall but managed to set the fastest lap—only to have Daniel Ricciardo snatch it away with a late pit stop for soft tires.

Driver Insights:

• Sergio Pérez: Struggled with traction throughout the race, remarking he was “bouncing like a kangaroo.”

• Franco Colapinto: Put pressure on Pérez but ultimately finished outside the points.

Here’s how the top 10 finished:

1. Lando Norris (McLaren)

2. Max Verstappen (Red Bull)

3. Oscar Piastri (McLaren)

4. George Russell (Mercedes)

5. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari)

6. Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes)

7. Carlos Sainz (Ferrari)

8. Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin)

9. Nico Hülkenberg (Haas)

10. Sergio Pérez (Red Bull)

Other things to note:

• Lewis Hamilton and George Russell qualified well but finished as the fourth-fastest team. Mercedes started Hamilton on soft tires for early gains, but he faced tire overheating issues. After pitting on Lap 17, he was overtaken by Charles Leclerc, who pitted later.

• The Singapore Grand Prix is known for its heat and humidity. Affecting drivers' training and performance. Usually, a safety car is expected at this street circuit. This year’s 62-lap race however went uninterrupted. Despite some drivers clipping walls and Kevin Magnussen suffering a puncture.

• Nico Hülkenberg and Haas had a strong qualifying performance. Finishing sixth on the grid. A tenth and a half behind a slightly underperforming McLaren.

Daniel Ricciardo's Potential Farewell 😢

In a moment following the Singapore Grand Prix, RB team principal Laurent Mekies remarked, “Given this may have been Daniel’s last race, we wanted to give him the chance to savor it and go out with the fastest lap.” Ricciardo set a new lap record at Marina Bay with a stunning 1:34.486. Clocking an average speed of 188.218 kph.

Despite starting P16 on soft tires, Ricciardo struggled to contend for points during the race. He explained his tire strategy, saying, “Our starts haven’t been great this year, so we thought, ‘Let’s put a soft on and see where it takes us.’” After pitting for mediums on Lap 10, he later made another stop on Lap 46 before his final pit call on the penultimate lap.

Red Bull’s team boss Christian Horner stated, “Daniel obviously wanted to finish the race on a high.” Speculation about Ricciardo’s future in F1 continues, but he expressed contentment with his career, saying, “I’m proud... and for that, there’s no sadness or feeling or regret.”

As we await official announcements regarding Ricciardo's status, his performance in Singapore will be remembered as a remarkable finale—if it is indeed the end.

FIA Urges F1 Drivers to Watch Their Language 🤬

The FIA has requested that Formula One drivers be mindful of their language and has asked F1 management to limit broadcasts featuring swearing. Some drivers think the governing body is being overly sensitive.

Lando Norris expressed frustration, stating, “It’s easier for them to say than for us to do,” highlighting the intense pressure drivers face during races. He emphasized that their passion can lead to occasional outbursts. Which are natural given the high stakes.

The FIA aims to ensure that broadcasted comments don’t target individuals or communities. Measures are already in place to filter inappropriate language. Including bleeping and graphic censorship.

Lewis Hamilton noted that while he maintains composure on the radio. He understands the need for emotion. He feels responsible for his words, considering the impact on fans and the team behind him.

Max Verstappen also has been ordered to perform public service after using inappropriate language during a press conference before the Singapore Grand Prix. He described his car's setup in Azerbaijan as “f—ed,” which was deemed a breach of the FIA's regulations on misconduct. While the language was not directed at anyone, the stewards emphasized the need for public figures to maintain appropriate standards of speech.

Other things happening around F1 🛞

• Verstappen hints at quitting F1 amid swearing punishment - Link

• Bottas potentially to sign with Audi - Link

• Hamilton Experience 'Borderline Heatstroke' at Singapore GP - Link 

• McLaren wants to review RB’s fastest lap - Link