The 2024 Singapore Grand Prix delivered an exhilarating race as McLaren’s Lando Norris clinched a commanding victory at Marina Bay, bringing home his first win of the season. Here’s a detailed look at the race highlights and the final standings:
Key Highlights:
Lando Norris Takes Control
Lando Norris emerged victorious in a tightly contested race, securing McLaren’s first win of the season with a time of 1:40:52.571. Norris maintained his position through a mix of strategic overtakes and consistent pace, keeping Max Verstappen and Oscar Piastri at bay.
Verstappen in the Chase
Reigning world champion Max Verstappen couldn’t replicate his usual dominance, finishing second, 20.945 seconds behind Norris. Though Verstappen gave chase, Norris held firm throughout the night race. Verstappen’s second-place finish added another 18 points to his championship lead.
Piastri on the Podium
McLaren’s success continued with Oscar Piastri securing third place, 41.823 seconds behind Norris. Piastri’s podium finish made it a double success for McLaren, highlighting their excellent form on the tight and twisty streets of Singapore.
Russell Battles for Fourth
Mercedes driver George Russell finished fourth, a minute behind Norris. Russell had a strong race but couldn’t quite break into the podium places, ultimately settling for valuable points.
Leclerc & Hamilton Struggle
Charles Leclerc took fifth place for Ferrari, just ahead of Lewis Hamilton, who finished sixth. Despite their best efforts, both drivers faced challenges in the midfield battle and struggled to make significant headway.
Carlos Sainz and Fernando Alonso
Carlos Sainz, the 2023 Singapore GP winner, finished in seventh place after a tough race. Meanwhile, Fernando Alonso, known for his prowess in street circuits, crossed the line in eighth, a lap down.
Top 10 Final Standings:
- Lando Norris (McLaren) – 1:40:52.571
- Max Verstappen (Red Bull) – +20.945s
- Oscar Piastri (McLaren) – +41.823s
- George Russell (Mercedes) – +61.040s
- Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) – +62.430s
- Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes) – +85.248s
- Carlos Sainz Jr. (Ferrari) – +96.039s
- Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin) – +1 Lap
- Nico Hülkenberg (Haas) – +1 Lap
- Sergio Pérez (Red Bull) – +1 Lap
Notable Incidents:
- Kevin Magnussen and Alex Albon failed to finish, with Magnussen retiring after a mechanical issue and Albon crashing out early in the race.
- The race saw fierce battles between midfield drivers, with Yuki Tsunoda, Esteban Ocon, and Lance Stroll locked in close combat throughout.
Summary:
McLaren’s resurgence was the story of the race, with both Norris and Piastri putting in strong performances. Verstappen’s second-place finish ensured Red Bull’s championship lead remains comfortable, but Norris’ win broke Red Bull’s stranglehold on victories this season. The 2024 Singapore GP showcased tactical brilliance, patient racing, and drama under the Marina Bay lights.
