Lando Norris and McLaren keeping an eye on RB over potential repeat of fastest lap trick at US GP
Lando Norris and McLaren are ready to raise concern if Red Bull potentially repeats its fastest lap strategy from Singapore at the US GP.
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Daniel Ricciardo and Lando Norris (Via: Imago)
Lando Norris dominated the Singapore GP, finishing with a commanding 20-second lead over Max Verstappen, which put him in a prime position for a Grand Slam. However, despite his impressive performance, Norris missed out on securing the fastest lap, a key element that would have completed his victory.
Instead, it was Daniel Ricciardo, racing in his final lap at the Singapore GP, who claimed the fastest lap. Lando Norris, in pursuit of world championship leader Max Verstappen, missed out on bonus points for the fastest lap when Daniel Ricciardo claimed it in his final race for Red Bull.
This decision to instruct Ricciardo raised many eyebrows, as it gave him no advantage and only helped Verstappen. The winning driver earns 25 points, with an additional point for recording the fastest lap, which the Aussie took from him.
Norris acknowledged they would have likely discussed whether it was the right move to prioritize that lap over other strategies. But given the circumstances of Ricciardo’s last race, they understood that his farewell made the decision feel more fitting.
The circumstances of how it happened, I guess, is a unique one. Daniel knew it was his last race. If it wasn’t and it was just him going for the fastest lap, then it’s a bit more of a question mark and something I think we probably would have questioned more as a team.
Lando Norris told RaceFans.net
Lando Norris mentioned McLaren hasn’t formally complained about Red Bull’s tactics, seemingly aimed at defending Verstappen’s championship lead. He noted that McLaren is willing to overlook it for now, despite what happened in Singapore.
I don’t want to say, I accept it, because it was his final race, because it’s still got nothing to do [with] his championship or their championship, it was something to take away from me. But I would never blame Daniel. I would never blame them.
Lando Norris added
Lando Norris expresses views on the elimination of bonus points from next year
The FIA announced the removal of the bonus point for the fastest lap from next year’s sporting regulations. Lando Norris stated that it’s not because of him and he doesn’t have an issue with the bonus point for the fastest lap in general.
Norris explained that if situations like what happened in Singapore become common, then removing the bonus point makes sense. However, the Briton feels they shouldn’t make this change just because people questioned the Singapore GP incident.
If it’s such a case like we had in Singapore or something that’s repetitive, I think it’s the correct thing to do [to remove it]. I don’t feel like they should change it just because of people questioning it after Singapore.
Lando Norris expressed
Norris is looking forward to racing in Austin and is excited about the upcoming triple-header of races ahead. With just six races remaining and a 52-point deficit in the Drivers’ Championship, McLaren announced that it will prioritize the Brit to give him every chance to close the gap to Max Verstappen.
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Gaurang Kadam
(535 Articles Published)