Lando Norris of McLaren triumphed at the Singapore Grand Prix, leading the race from start to finish and significantly narrowing Max Verstappen’s lead in the Formula One championship. The 24-year-old Briton, starting from pole position, navigated the floodlit Marina Bay circuit flawlessly, even as he grazed the walls twice, yet maintained the lead throughout the 62-lap night race under intense heat and humidity.
Verstappen, trailing significantly, finished 20.945 seconds behind Norris, securing second place for Red Bull. McLaren’s Oscar Piastri claimed the third spot. This outcome reduced Verstappen’s lead over Norris from 59 to 52 points, with six races left, including three sprints. Additionally, McLaren widened their lead over Red Bull in the constructors’ standings by 41 points.
Reflecting on his performance, Norris stated, “It was an amazing race with a few too many close calls. The car was outstanding, allowing me to push hard throughout the race and relax towards the end.”
Norris nearly secured an additional point for the fastest lap, but Red Bull’s Daniel Ricciardo, possibly in his final race, claimed it after switching to soft tires late in the game. Remarkably, the event proceeded without a safety car, featuring only two retirements—an unusual occurrence for Singapore.
Verstappen acknowledged the team’s struggle this weekend: “Securing second place under these circumstances is an achievement, but obviously, we aim to keep improving.”
George Russell and Charles Leclerc finished fourth and fifth for Mercedes and Ferrari, respectively, followed by seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton in sixth.
Despite earning no points, Ricciardo’s late push for the fastest lap added a noteworthy detail to his record. It indirectly aided Verstappen, prompting a thankful response from the champion over the team radio.
