McLaren NEVER believed Lando Norris would beat Mercedes at scoring a P2 finish at Singapore GP

McLaren were equally surprised and delighted over Lando Norris’ Singapore GP podium.

McLaren NEVER believed Lando Norris would beat Mercedes at scoring a P2 finish at Singapore GP

Lando Norris and Andrea Stella (via Imago)

The Singapore GP is helmed as ‘The Best race of the season so far’. The sheer drama that unfolded in the closing laps as the top 4 battled for the win, took even McLaren by surprise. The charging Mercedes duo, George Russell and Lewis Hamilton, had blistering pace on their fresh set of Medium tires. It seemed only a matter of time before they’d pass Lando, who was in P2, and even Sainz for the win.

But Carlos Sainz’s tactical masterclass of letting Norris stay in his DRS range made all the difference. Norris won a magnificent podium and Sainz, the entire Grand Prix. The Mclaren team boss, Andrea Stella has admitted that he was “waiting” for both Mercedes cars to fly past Lando Norris.

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“When I saw them going onto sets of brand new mediums, I thought they’re going to pass us,”  said the Italian TP [ Reported by Pitdebrief.com]. Stella added, “I was just waiting for it to happen and be ready to say: ‘Don’t get too disappointed.'” Stella further credited the overheating brakes on the chasing Mercedes and the winner, Carlos Sainz, for the turnaround in his faith.

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Do not miss: Mercedes bow down to Ferrari as they accept the ‘deserving winners’ after Carlos Sainz’s masterful drive at Singapore GP

Oscar Piastri hilariously credits ice lollies for his presence in an interview

The Rookie wrapped up the weekend masterfully following an unfortunate qualifying session. The McLaren Driver was held back by Stroll’s Q1 crash. That meant Piastri had to start the Grand Prix from P17.

Oscar Piastri (via F1)
Oscar Piastri (via F1)

He put on a stellar display as he finished P7, closing out a wonderful outing for McLaren. Oscar Piastri was interviewed following the race and was given ice lollies. Piastri claimed that’s the main reason he was looking forward to the interview.

McLaren would be very happy about this weekend as their Drivers claimed P2 and P7. The progress the team has made after the mid-season break continues to be on display.

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