In a heated championship battle, every point matters, and McLaren’s Lando Norris found himself on the receiving end of a controversial move at the Singapore Grand Prix. Daniel Ricciardo, racing for Red Bull’s sister team Visa Cash App RB, snatched the fastest lap in the closing stages, denying Norris a critical point in his pursuit of Max Verstappen’s championship lead.
Questioned on whether it was unfair for Red Bull’s affiliate team to intervene in the title race, Norris played down the incident, acknowledging that it’s all part of the game in Formula 1. “That’s how it’s been in Formula 1 for, I don’t know, probably since before I was born,” Norris remarked. “Nothing to complain about. There’s been races in the past when other people have been racing. We try to take it away from others.”
Norris acknowledged the tactical maneuver by Red Bull, calling it “the smart play by them.” Despite the lost point, he expressed no hard feelings towards Ricciardo, stating, “Happy for Daniel. That’s all.”
While Norris remains focused on his title charge, the incident highlights the complex team dynamics in F1, where affiliations can play a pivotal role in championship outcomes. With six races remaining, every strategic decision and on-track action could prove decisive in the battle for the 2024 F1 crown.
