A quiet race for the F1 Singapore Grand Prix proved to be a good source of debate, with both Red Bull Racing and Lewis Hamilton with his teammate Lando Norris celebrating very important wins and titles. Kimi Antonelli continued to consolidate his skills for championship successes and Gianpiero Lambiase was the protagonist of an emotional moment because it could be the end of one of the Formula 1’s most successful pairings driver/engineer.
The concentration, tyre management and strategic thinking of the drivers were once again challenged in the tough Singaporean street circuit. The final match of a punishingsneaky tripleheader in the weekend was also a chance to find failure and weaknesses that the teams need to be aware of before the next round in the United States.
But the result was big for Red Bull who have struggled here over the past few years.
It was an accurate effort from Max Verstappen on Red Bull’s up-to-date equipment that won the race, as he was able to control his machine effectively. The success he provided showed that he could compete and the team could keep the team going even at the circuit, where they need confidence, precision and tyre management Verstappen got a lot of credit deservedly but much credit was also doled out to his reliable teammate, race engineer Gianpiero Lambiase.
Emotionally, it was Lambiase’s weekend. His appointment to the podium to accept the constructors’ trophy was particularly symbolic in the wake of reports that he will soon be on the move to good old McLaren. If the two teams have the chance to share more together as Tom Hart will assume a bigger role as race engineer to Verstappen, the partnership that’s mapped 73 Grand Prix wins may be over.
If Singapore is what it will be, it will certainly cap an exceptional era of success. Their partnership has evolved into one of the most prominent in contemporary F1, characterized by trust, communication and under tremendous pressure.
However, Ferrari left Singapore with lots to celebrate and a lot to think about. With Lewis Hamilton’s race seemingly ready to reap a double podium, things hit the buffers at the end of the virtual safety car.
With Charles Leclerc driving on the softer tyres and Hamilton tapping medium tyres, Ferrari had switched up their approach to the starting grid to apply a little pressure on Verstappen. An issue that was to be a concern with the medium compound, however, proved more of a headache for the medium car as the race went on.
Hamilton’s unyielding refusal of a pit call in the virtual safety car didn’t help matters at all. The Italian ace, seven-time world champion Ferrari, would have regained his top three with a previous pit stop, but passed the 6th, 7th and 8th on fatigued carcasses to cross the line in 6th.
Following the visit, Ferrari team manager Fred Vasseur was questioned on his team’s policy. There is no doubt, of course, that Ferrari’s moves will be scrutinised, but the part that Hamilton has played in the outcome can’t be overlooked. The episode proved that when communication between driver and pit wall fails, a once promising result can swiftly come to an end.
Lando Norris too was one of the weekend’s disappointments. Their management of their drivers was brought back into focus with his tussle at the final lap of Saturday’s sprint with McLaren team-mate Oscar Piastri.
The whole incident seemed like an unnecessary bother for a minimal payout and with possible repercussions to McLaren’s larger championship plans. The two drivers are expected to be competitive, but their competition not to affect the team’s goals.
More self-aware on Sunday, with Norris saying his overtake on Hamilton was one of a series of misjudgements this weekend. He also said that it was something that he was aware that his job was more important than his desire to be in the competition at that time.
Team principal Andrea Stella seem to have welcomed the transformation of attitudes, mainly because Norris was ready to join in the Sunday race management. However, the United States Grand Prix is anticipated to follow with further talks being expected in order for McLaren not to have the Singapore incidents occur again.
One of the more upbeat tales of the weekend had to come from Kimi Antonelli. The impression that the young Italian was firmly on his feet to lead proceedings consistently was reinforced throughout when his means proved not to be up to the task.
He had already made strides in Baku, and his subsequent efforts in Malaysia and Singapore confirmed he was getting better when it comes to getting the best out of himself in top form. Prepare yourself for patience and some judgment to be used instead of simply going out the window, because that’s what we are seeing more of Antonelli showing off these days.
He also revealed his aspirations to being a champion, the title was still a possibility. He did not deny that the chances were slim but explained how vital it was to keep up his performance levels and not take too much ease.
Last, but by no means least, Honda suffered a weekend no rememberer. Aston’s campaign was already proving to be difficult, however, the series of power unit issues meant the team’s fight to the death was not easy in Singapore. The starting lineup of Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll was hindered as both complained they were unable to get the best start and both had to come out of the box to start.
Alonso had just scored points in Malaysia last weekend, a more encouraging finish, from which the problems in the Philippines rumbled. Fewer opportunities are available in other circuits and reliability will be essential for Aston Martin to enhance their performances.
In general, the weekend in Singapore served as an illustration that winning in Formula 1 isn’t all about being the fastest. It proved to be a good day for Verstappen and Lambiase, while Antonelli furthered his profile and Ferrari, McLaren and Aston Martin found themselves having to review some expensive failures and technical deficiencies.
Now that the United States Grand Prix is nearing, the important factor is which teams can yet make them pay off? Singapore could be a key determining factor for both title contenders and midfield rivalries.
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