The 2024 F1 Singapore Grand Prix delivered a race packed with drama, surprises, and nail-biting moments. It wasn’t just about the glamour of the night race, but also the tension on the track that culminated in McLaren’s Lando Norris seizing a spectacular victory. Despite a crash into the barriers, Norris showcased his resilience, skill, and determination to cross the finish line first. Here’s how it all unfolded.
Pre-Race Buzz and Pole Position
The Marina Bay Circuit, often dubbed the “Devil’s Circuit” due to its narrow corners and tough overtaking conditions, set the perfect stage for the race weekend. McLaren’s star driver, Lando Norris, started from pole position, having shown incredible pace during qualifying. Right behind him was Red Bull’s Max Verstappen, who was poised to chase Norris down for the win. The starting grid promised excitement, with Perez making a strong climb from 13th to 10th early in the race.
Early Action and Fastest Laps
As the race began, the top drivers maintained their positions, with Norris in the lead and Verstappen close on his tail. By Lap 5, Norris had already set the fastest lap of the race, establishing his dominance on the track. Meanwhile, Alexander Albon faced technical difficulties, forcing him to retire by Lap 15—a reminder of how unforgiving the Singapore GP can be.
Mid-Race Tension: Norris’s Collision
The race saw numerous thrilling moments, particularly when McLaren’s Norris had a close call. In Lap 29, at Turn 10, Norris made contact with the barrier—the same spot where George Russell crashed last year. His front wing suffered damage, and he lost 4 seconds. It seemed like disaster was looming for the pole sitter. But Norris, in true champion fashion, kept his composure, setting another fastest lap shortly after. This moment highlighted both the treacherous nature of the Singapore circuit and Norris’s remarkable ability to bounce back under pressure.
Piastri and Hamilton’s Battle
While Norris was fighting to maintain his lead, another exciting duel was brewing between Oscar Piastri and Lewis Hamilton. On Lap 40, Piastri executed a stunning overtake on Hamilton at Turn 7, showcasing his growing confidence and skill. McLaren was now hot on the heels of Russell, reducing the gap to 4.5 seconds. Meanwhile, Charles Leclerc, after a strategic pit stop, overtook Fernando Alonso to claim 7th place and was now chasing his teammate Carlos Sainz.
Final Laps and Magnussen’s Misfortune
As the race neared its conclusion, Kevin Magnussen’s left rear tire blew out, forcing him to retire. This added yet another twist to a race that had already seen its fair share of drama. Leclerc, continuing his charge, overtook Hamilton once more, moving up to 5th place by Lap 50.
Lando Norris Takes the Crown
Despite the earlier collision, Norris managed to hold off Verstappen and Piastri, crossing the finish line first to secure his third race win of the 2024 season. Verstappen finished second, with Piastri completing the podium in third. This victory solidifies Norris’s position as a top contender this season and showcases McLaren’s strong performance in what has been a competitive year.
A Surprisingly Clean Race
What was perhaps most remarkable about this year’s Singapore GP was the absence of the safety car—a rare occurrence at a circuit known for its high risk of accidents. The race’s clean execution added to the tension, with teams relying heavily on strategy and driver skill to navigate the challenging track.
FAQs
Lando Norris of McLaren won the 2024 F1 Singapore GP, securing his third race win of the season.
Yes, Norris collided with the wall at Turn 10, but he quickly recovered and went on to win the race.
Lando Norris took first place, followed by Max Verstappen in second and Oscar Piastri in third.
Alexander Albon retired due to technical issues, and Kevin Magnussen retired after suffering a tire blowout.
Surprisingly, no safety car was needed during this year’s Singapore GP, despite the challenging nature of the track.
Conclusion: A Night to Remember
The 2024 F1 Singapore Grand Prix will be remembered not just for Lando Norris’s incredible victory, but for the resilience and excitement it brought. From Norris’s collision recovery to the thrilling battles between top drivers, this race had it all. As the F1 season progresses, it’s clear that the championship race is far from over. With three wins under his belt, Norris is proving to be a serious title contender. We can’t wait to see what happens next!
