Lando Norris laments losing Singapore GP ‘Grand Slam’ due to Daniel Ricciardo’s fastest lap
Lando Norris claimed that getting a point for the fastest lap would've been the cherry on the cake to his Singapore GP victory.
Follow Us
Daniel Ricciardo and Lando Norris (images via IMAGO)
Lando Norris claimed victory at the Singapore Grand Prix after starting from pole position, finishing 20 seconds ahead of Max Verstappen. Following a tough qualifying session, Norris overcame his previous struggles with pole starts to pass Verstappen at Turn 1. He then dominated the race, maintaining a strong lead despite a few close calls with the wall.
However, Lando Norris mentioned it would have been fantastic if he had recorded the fastest lap instead of Daniel Ricciardo. In a post-race interview, the Brit expressed his desire to secure the fastest lap to complement his victory. He saw this as the perfect finishing touch, showcasing his dominance in the race.
Norris acknowledged that Daniel Ricciardo claimed the fastest lap instead, which he accepted graciously, especially considering it might be Ricciardo’s last race. The 23-year-old further noted that achieving the fastest lap would have completed a “Grand Slam”. This means he would have won from pole position, led every lap, and secured the fastest lap.
I would have loved the fastest lap. But Daniel got me in the end. I’ll give it to him. It would have been nice to do the whole thing together (Grand slam).
Lando Norris state
Lando Norris: I would have loved the fastest lap. But Daniel got me in the end. I'll give it to him. It would have been nice to do the whole thing together (Grand slam)
— Junaid #JB17 (@JunaidSamodien_) September 22, 2024
Norris also addressed the importance of keeping the same performance throughout the remainder of the season. He was confident that by maintaining his current level of skill and consistency, he had a chance to win the title. With the pace McLaren’s car holds, it would not be that tough to challenge Verstappen in the drivers’ championship.
If I continue doing what I've done this weekend, then the championship is possibleLando Norris added
Lando Norris says "if I continue doing what I've done this weekend" then the championship is possible
— Junaid #JB17 (@JunaidSamodien_) September 22, 2024
Daniel Ricciardo anticipated Christmas gift from Max Verstappen if he secures title
Daniel Ricciardo explained that Red Bull’s strategy didn’t work as planned, leaving them out of contention for a better finish by the end of the race. As a result, they shifted focus and went for the fastest lap, which Ricciardo successfully secured. Ricciardo joked that if Max Verstappewins the championship by one point, he owes him a Christmas present.
So, we tried to go for the fastest lap, and I guess, it helped maybe Max out by Abu Dhabi. So, yeah, maybe there is a Christmas present coming, if he wins by a point.Daniel Ricciardo explained
Ricciardo: "Then at the end, we were there, not really in any position. So, we tried to go for the fastest lap, and I guess, it helped maybe Max out by Abu Dhabi. So, yeah, maybe there is a Christmas present coming, if he wins by a point."
— Junaid #JB17 (@JunaidSamodien_) September 22, 2024
Max Verstappen expressed gratitude to his former teammate for taking the fastest lap away from Norris. The Singapore GP was potentially Ricciardo’s final race amid rumors of his replacement. The 34-year-old was also voted Driver of the Day, with many viewing his fastest lap as a fitting farewell to his F1 career.
Stay Updated!
Gaurang Kadam
(535 Articles Published)