Singapore GP Radio: Ricciardo’s Brake Drama, Perez’s Engine False Alarm

The 2024 Singapore Grand Prix was a race brimming with strategic nuances, intense battles, and critical radio communications that ultimately shaped the outcome for many drivers. From unexpected early pit stops to daring fastest lap attempts and intricate team orders, the unseen radio messages provide a captivating glimpse into the high-pressure world of Formula 1. This in-depth analysis delves into the pivotal moments heard over the airwaves, revealing the underlying decisions and challenges faced by drivers like Daniel Ricciardo, whose race was compromised by an unforeseen brake issue, and Sergio Perez, who battled perceived power deficits. We’ll also explore Ferrari’s calculated strategy with Carlos Sainz Jnr and Charles Leclerc, and the dramatic twists that unfolded for Lando Norris, who dominated the race but faced a late challenge for the fastest lap point.

Unveiling the Strategy and Drama: 2024 Singapore Grand Prix Radio Highlights

Jump to:

Norris takes control
Brake problem forces Ricciardo in
Sainz pits early
Norris grabs fastest lap
Perez lacks power
Leclerc chooses his battles
Sainz lets Leclerc by
Ricciardo pits again
Alonso chases Sainz home
Magnussen forces out
Russell resists Leclerc
Norris loses fastest lap
Ricciardo’s final chequered flag

More:

• “Sometimes I wonder why I do this”: How Hamilton endured a slog to sixth in Singapore
• ‘Perez is only quicker when he has DRS’: How Hulkenberg’s Haas beat a Red Bull – again

Norris Masters Marina Bay: A Pole-to-Win Domination

For the first time in his burgeoning Formula 1 career, Lando Norris successfully converted his pole position into a race lead at the start of the Singapore Grand Prix. This was a crucial psychological breakthrough for the McLaren driver, who had previously struggled to maintain his advantage from the front row. From this commanding position, Norris effortlessly extended his lead over rivals, including Max Verstappen, and demonstrated exceptional pace management. His strategic flexibility was evident as he patiently waited for the Red Bull driver to make his first tyre change before executing his own pit stop, ensuring he maintained track position and control of the race.

The early laps saw Norris’s race engineer, Joseph, providing consistent updates, confirming his strong position and the widening gap to competitors. Despite initial concerns about DRS and tight racing conditions, Norris quickly established a comfortable buffer. The team’s instructions focused on preserving the car and tyres, highlighting the delicate balance between pushing for pace and ensuring longevity on the challenging street circuit. As the race progressed, the unfolding strategies of other teams, such as Daniel Ricciardo’s early pit stop, were closely monitored by McLaren, but Norris remained focused on executing his long-run plan, aiming to stay out as long as possible on his primary tyre set.

Lap: 2/62 NOR: 1’38.480
Joseph	He does have DRS.
Joseph	And you’ve broken DRS.
Lap: 4/62 NOR: 1’38.446
Joseph	Okay mate the gap is increasing slowly. So now 1.7. If we can keep on doing this, this is good.
Lap: 10/62 NOR: 1’36.830
Joseph	Okay Lando this place is really good. Just avoid the snaps and avoid the wheelspin. Gap to Hulkenberg is 15.9. He’s in sixth.
Lap: 11/62 NOR: 1’36.651
Joseph	The first car, Ricciardo, has pitted. Might start the cascade. Doesn’t affect our race yet.
Lap: 13/62 NOR: 1’36.670
Joseph	And Lando overtaking looks difficult as expected. Undercut power looks strong, maybe two seconds.
Norris	Confirm.
Lap: 14/62 NOR: 1’36.832
Norris	A little bit of R3.
Joseph	Okay, understood.
Joseph	Lando this gap is good. No need to push the tyres quite as hard, let’s cool them down a bit. Sainz has pitted as well.
Lap: 17/62 NOR: 1’37.008
Joseph	How are the tyres?
Norris	All good. Fairly consistent on the minute.
Lap: 18/62 NOR: 1’37.068
Joseph	Hamilton is pitting. Doesn’t affect our races.
Lap: 20/62 NOR: 1’36.887
Joseph	Lando, Oscar is thinking of pitting to undercut Russell, so that might trigger things behind. But Lando, for our race, we just want to go as long as possible. So if we need to look after tyres we will, we just don’t want to be the first person to pit between you and Max.

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Despite his dominant performance, Norris wasn’t entirely free from drama. He experienced a brief but heart-stopping moment when he clipped a barrier at Turn 10 just before the halfway mark of the race. This incident raised immediate concerns about potential damage to his McLaren, particularly the front wing, which could have severely impacted his performance and threatened his lead. His engineer, Joseph, quickly sought confirmation of the car’s condition, with Norris reassuring the team that the car felt fine. This minor scare, however, prompted an immediate strategic adjustment. With Verstappen having already pitted, McLaren seized the opportunity to bring Norris in for his own stop, mitigating any potential risks and maintaining his strong position. The rapid assessment and decisive action by the team underscored their excellent race management.

Lap: 24/62 NOR: 1’37.527
Joseph	Lando just suggest backing off turn 18, 19 a little bit, it’ll look after both axles.
Lap: 29/62 NOR: 1’41.878
Norris	Front wing damage, maybe. Maybe front wing damage.
Lap: 30/62 NOR: 1’47.073
Joseph	Stay out for now, please, stay out for now.
Joseph	Lando, how does the car feel to you?
Norris	Yeah, fine.
Joseph	Lando, we’re going to suggest box this lap, box this lap. Verstappen’s pitted.
Norris	Confirm.
Lap: 31/62 NOR: 1’58.408
Joseph	Out-lap free, stint free. We see a small issue with the front wing, nothing serious. Oscar’s just out of the final corner now. And Lando gap to Verstappen 21.

Ricciardo’s Early Retreat: Brake Debris Derails Race

Daniel Ricciardo’s Singapore Grand Prix took an unfortunate turn early on. Starting on the hard tyre compound, a less common choice alongside Lewis Hamilton, Ricciardo was already anticipating an early pit window. However, his race was severely disrupted when his team detected a potential issue with his front brakes. Initially, Ricciardo communicated a reasonable race pace, unaware of the lurking problem. His engineer, Pierre Hamelin, monitored his performance, noting small losses in braking zones compared to competitors like Albon. The communication quickly shifted from performance feedback to a more urgent investigation as the team suspected debris in the front brakes.

The severity of the issue became clear as Hamelin reported that pictures confirmed the debris, necessitating an immediate pit stop to rectify the problem. This forced pit stop on lap 10, significantly earlier than planned, effectively compromised Ricciardo’s race, pushing him onto an unfavourable strategy and out of contention for a strong points finish. The radio exchanges highlight the suddenness of the mechanical concern and the team’s decisive action to prevent further damage, but it also underscores the brutal reality of how quickly a race plan can unravel due to unforeseen technical difficulties on a demanding street circuit like Singapore.

Lap: 4/62 RIC: 1’39.545
Ricciardo	I don’t know how it is up front but pace doesn’t feel too slow at the moment. The actual race pace.
Hamelin	Copy that. Norris is pushing at the front. And it’s a very tight cars all the way up ’til Gasly.
Lap: 5/62 RIC: 1’39.585
Hamelin	Main loss to Albon is braking turn seven, one tenth.
Lap: 6/62 RIC: 1’39.223
Hamelin	Okay Daniel the top four cars pushing on, and then it’s still a very tight group all the way up to P6.
Lap: 7/62 RIC: 1’39.598
Ricciardo	Understood. Yeah, pace feels quite high.
Hamelin	When you can, strat one, currently in two. Albon ahead just reported one second of management compared to what he could do.
Lap: 8/62 RIC: 1’39.615
Ricciardo	Understood. Yeah, I don’t have that much.
Hamelin	Okay Daniel heads’ up: We are looking into a potential issue with front brakes. We may have some debris, we are checking temperatures. We’ll keep you posted. And compared to Albon it’s just turn seven braking and everything else is just down the straights. And we are just digging through some pictures Daniel to have a look at those front brakes. We’ll keep you posted.
Lap: 9/62 RIC: 1’39.598
Ricciardo	Understood. Yeah rear’s my limitation at the moment.
Hamelin	Okay Daniel we have seen the debris now, we can see what’s going on there. We’ll keep you posted on the plan.
Lap: 10/62 RIC: 1’47.680
Hamelin	Okay Daniel box box, box box. We’ve got to clear that issue. Box box.
Ricciardo	Understood.

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Ferrari’s Calculated Split Strategy: Sainz Pits Early for Clear Air

Ferrari employed a daring split strategy for their drivers, with Carlos Sainz Jnr and Charles Leclerc pursuing distinctly different race plans. Sainz, having crashed in qualifying and starting further back, was brought in early for his pit stop. This aggressive move was a direct response to his frustration at being stuck in a DRS train, hindering his ability to unleash the full pace of his car. Despite having strong pace, Sainz found himself unable to make overtakes, clearly communicating his need for “free air.” His engineer, Adami, acknowledged this and promptly called him into the pits, aiming to undercut competitors and provide Sainz with the clean track he desperately sought.

This early stop, while benefiting Sainz in the short term, meant that Leclerc, on the other hand, had to adopt a much longer first stint, patiently managing his tyres and facing the challenge of faster, pitted cars coming up behind him. Ferrari’s strategy was a calculated risk, betting on the effectiveness of the undercut for Sainz and the potential for a strong late-race charge for Leclerc. The early radio exchanges with Sainz reflect his determination to push and his awareness of the critical need for track position on a circuit where overtaking is notoriously difficult. His proactive communication helped guide the team’s decision-making in real-time, underscoring the dynamic nature of F1 strategy.

Lap: 4/62 SAI: 1’39.105
Adami	Lando is not managing the pace.
Lap: 6/62 SAI: 1’39.221
Sainz	I’m in a DRS train but I have a lot of pace.
Adami	Understood.
Lap: 7/62 SAI: 1’39.349
Sainz	Okay I’ll push the tyre now. Try and overtake.
Adami	Yeah tyres are ready, confirm, happy to push.
Lap: 13/62 SAI: 1’47.072
Sainz	I cannot pass.
Adami	Understood.
Sainz	Get me free air.
Adami	Some [lift-and-coast].
Adami	And box, Carlos, box, opposite Tsunoda.
Lap: 24/62 SAI: 1’39.011
Sainz	Do I need to pass this guy quickly?
Adami	Yeah, that’s the target, with priority still tyre manage ’til in the end. But priority is pass, also.

Norris’s Pursuit of Perfection: Securing the Fastest Lap Point

With his victory seemingly assured, Lando Norris’s focus shifted towards maximizing his points haul by securing the fastest lap of the race. This bonus point can be crucial in the championship standings, and McLaren was keen to guide their driver to achieve it without unnecessary risk. His engineer, Joseph, kept him informed of the current fastest lap time, initially held by Leclerc, and provided detailed instructions on how to attempt it. The communication highlighted the balance between speed and car preservation, advising Norris to use specific engine modes and avoid aggressive actions like front locking or under-rotation.

The back-and-forth on the radio showcased the dynamic chase for the fastest lap, with the target time constantly shifting as other drivers pushed. Norris’s team provided real-time updates, allowing him to adapt his approach. Despite the evolving target, Norris executed a strong lap, temporarily claiming the fastest lap point. This strategic play demonstrates the meticulous attention to detail within top F1 teams, even when a victory is well in hand, to extract every possible point from a race weekend. It adds another layer of excitement and competition beyond the lead battle.

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Perez’s Frustration: Red Bull’s Puzzling Lack of Pace Against Haas

After a disappointing qualifying session that saw him miss Q3, Sergio Perez was determined to claw his way back into a respectable points-scoring position in the race. A strong start initially put him in contention for 10th place. However, his efforts were severely hampered after his pit stop when he found himself locked in a frustrating battle behind Nico Hulkenberg’s Haas. Despite driving a supposedly superior Red Bull machine, Perez struggled immensely to find a way past the German driver, leading to palpable frustration over the radio.

His desperate plea, “Fuck, I cannot even get close,” and the subsequent question to his engineer, “Is all okay with the engine?”, highlighted his disbelief and concern over his car’s performance. The fact that a Red Bull, typically dominant in straight-line speed and traction, was unable to overtake a Haas for multiple laps on a circuit like Singapore was a significant talking point. His engineer, Wood, confirmed that the engine was fine, suggesting the problem lay elsewhere – perhaps in tyre management, car balance, or the inherent difficulty of overtaking in Singapore. This prolonged struggle behind a midfield car underscored a challenging race for Perez and raised questions about Red Bull’s overall package on such a unique street circuit, particularly when not in clean air.

Lap: 42/62 NOR: 1’36.404
Joseph	And Lando the gap to Verstappen is 23. If there was a Safety Car, we think we would take it for a soft.
Norris	Yeah, confirm.
Lap: 47/62 NOR: 1’36.567
Joseph	Lando the fastest lap is currently a 35.6 done by Leclerc. We’re happy to give it a go, but with no risk. Our biggest concern would be front locking, front under-rotation. If you want a go you can used red button into the final corner. And we’d use strat nine, strat nine. But zero risk if you want to do it.
Joseph	It’s now a 35.9, 35.9 by Leclerc.
Norris	35.9?
Joseph	Now 35.3, 35.3.
Lap: 49/62 NOR: 1’36.060
Joseph	Norris sets the fastest lap Okay so full concentration now, take a drink.

Lap: 30/62 PER: 1’39.589
Wood	That’s Gasly ahead of Hulkenberg. Gasly is yet to box on medium tyre.
Lap: 32/62 PER: 1’38.407
Wood	Okay mate that was two-hundredths of getting DRS. Let’s get him, he’s isolated here.
Lap: 34/62 PER: 1’37.992
Perez	Fuck, I cannot even get close.
Wood	Copy. Think about wider line turn 13. Wider line turn 13. Better traction.
Lap: 35/62 PER: 1’37.858
Perez	I can’t even get close. Is all okay with the engine?
Wood	Yep, all okay with engine.

Leclerc’s Patient Pursuit: Preserving Tyres for a Late Charge

While his teammate Carlos Sainz opted for an early pit stop, Charles Leclerc was tasked with an extended opening stint on his medium compound tyres. This meant enduring pressure from drivers who had already pitted and were on fresher, harder tyres. Ferrari’s strategy for Leclerc was clear: do not engage in unnecessary battles that would prematurely degrade his tyres or cost him valuable race time. His engineer, Bozzi, repeatedly advised him to let faster cars through, including Max Verstappen and George Russell, emphasizing that losing time fighting them would compromise his overall race outcome.

Leclerc’s discipline in executing this strategy was crucial. He conserved his tyres, maintaining a consistent pace even as he was overtaken. After a long and challenging stint, he finally pitted, emerging on fresh hard tyres. This strategic gamble paid off, as Leclerc was then able to unleash impressive pace. He swiftly dispatched Fernando Alonso and, soon after, overtook Lewis Hamilton, demonstrating the effectiveness of his conserved tyre life. His brief, pointed radio message “Yes but speak less” highlighted his intense focus and determination to execute the plan perfectly, underscoring the mental fortitude required for such a demanding strategy. The success of his late charge proved Ferrari’s two-pronged approach was well-judged for the unique conditions of Singapore.

Lap: 30/62 LEC: 1’39.543
Bozzi	Verstappen behind you, hard, don’t lose time. It’ll cost you race time.
Bozzi	Verstappen passes Leclerc And keep driving like this.
Lap: 31/62 LEC: 1’39.214
Bozzi	Next car behind is Russell on three-lap new hard lapping in 37.0.
Lap: 32/62 LEC: 1’38.505
Bozzi	These laps are crucial. Keep driving like this.
Lap: 33/62 LEC: 1’38.187
Bozzi	And we should not lose time with Russell as well. Keep driving like this.
Bozzi	Alonso lap time 38.4, you did a 38.5. We need to keep matching these lap times for a few laps. Let me know if you can do it.
Leclerc	Yes but speak less.
Lap: 36/62 LEC: 1’47.084
Bozzi	And we box now and we’ll finish just in front of Hulkenberg. Box, box, box and flap update.
Bozzi	It will be very tight with Hulkenberg.
Lap: 37/62 LEC: 1’57.168
Leclerc	Charles pit lane.
Bozzi	It’s tight.
Leclerc	Why is deg going?
Bozzi	Repeat, Charles.
Leclerc	Where is the deg going on the hard?
Lap: 38/62 LEC: 1’36.556
Leclerc	I need to know for the slow introduction. Please reply. Look at Carlos.
Bozzi	So generally stable, quite slightly towards oversteer.
Bozzi	So we can do a state four to the end. You’re 1.5 seconds faster than Alonso.
Lap: 40/62 LEC: 1’37.480
Bozzi	Leclerc passes Alonso And well done. Next car is Carlos, he should let us through.

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Ferrari’s Team Play: Sainz Graciously Yields to Leclerc

The strategic divergence between the Ferrari drivers culminated in a textbook example of team orders towards the end of the race. Carlos Sainz, who had pitted earlier and managed his tyres meticulously, found himself in a position where Charles Leclerc, on fresher and faster tyres from his longer first stint, was rapidly catching him. Ferrari’s decision to swap positions was designed to maximize the team’s overall points, leveraging Leclerc’s superior pace in the latter stages.

Sainz’s response to the instruction was exemplary, demonstrating a strong understanding of the team’s overarching goals. Without hesitation, he communicated his willingness to comply, even offering his team mate a choice of optimal corners to make the pass. This level of cooperation is crucial in a championship battle and speaks volumes about the dynamic within the Ferrari garage. The smooth execution of the swap ensured minimal time loss for both drivers and allowed Leclerc to continue his charge, while Sainz focused on bringing his car home, successfully fending off Fernando Alonso despite his worn tyres. This moment showcased Ferrari’s strategic acumen and the professionalism of their drivers in a critical phase of the race.

Lap: 39/62 SAI: 1’37.802
Adami	Still our target to optimise this stint ’til the end. Struggling a bit with tyres, possibly at the end of the race.
Sainz	Yeah I can feel it’s going to be tough but I will try.
Lap: 40/62 SAI: 1’37.965
Adami	Let’s focus on managing the tractions.
Lap: 41/62 SAI: 1’38.236
Adami	Charles is at 3.1 behind.
Lap: 42/62 SAI: 1’39.534
Adami	Can let Charles by, let Charles by, he’s 1.2 behind.
Sainz	Into turn seven next lap. Or I can try maybe turn 16 if he agrees.
Adami	Okay, 16.
Sainz	Copy.
Lap: 43/62 SAI: 1’38.602
Adami	20 laps to go, 20 laps to go. Alonso 4.5 behind.

Ricciardo’s Spiraling Race: A Second Pit Stop and Blue Flag Woes

Daniel Ricciardo’s already challenging race, impacted by the early brake issue and an unplanned pit stop, further deteriorated as the Grand Prix wore on. Struggling significantly on his medium compound tyres, he faced the additional complication of blue flags, indicating that faster cars were approaching to lap him. To mitigate potential time loss and perhaps find some pace, RB made the decision to call him in for a second pit stop. This move effectively sealed his fate, pushing him into a deep deficit and making any points finish an impossibility.

The frustration for Ricciardo mounted when he was unable to un-lap himself from George Russell, a driver his team had anticipated he would easily pass. This unexpected delay meant he was once again caught by blue flags, this time for Charles Leclerc, leading to even more valuable time lost. The radio exchanges reflect a driver battling dwindling performance and the psychological toll of a race rapidly slipping away. His engineer tried to offer encouragement and strategic advice, but the cumulative effect of the early issue, multiple pit stops, and persistent blue flag situations made it an exceptionally tough and ultimately unrewarding day for Ricciardo. The events underscored the brutal nature of F1, where a single early problem can snowball into a race-long struggle.

Lap: 35/62 RIC: 1’40.666
Hamelin	And you know what’s coming so let’s make the good work pay off. Overtake available.
Lap: 44/62 RIC: 1’38.963
Hamelin	Heads-up: Ocon is defending against Magnussen directly behind you.
Hamelin	Entry eight. And if we can, try to save a little bit more the front tyres to help to balance the rear.
Lap: 45/62 RIC: 1’43.383
Ricciardo	[Unclear] for the tyres.
Hamelin	Copy that. If we pit we won’t get back into that position.
Lap: 46/62 RIC: 1’50.550
Hamelin	Box, box.
Lap: 47/62 RIC: 1’59.494
Hamelin	Okay Daniel let’s not overdo it the first two laps. And then we go catch Gasly and the two Saubers.
Hamelin	Russell is three ahead and he will be slower than you, so when we get there, we get by.
Lap: 51/62 RIC: 1’36.765
Hamelin	On this lap we lost three tenths braking turn 10. 1.5 tenths.
Lap: 54/62 RIC: 1’40.450
Hamelin	Okay Daniel anything we can help you with to catch Russell’s DRS?
Ricciardo	Er, no, nothing really. Balance isn’t too bad just losing overall.
Hamelin	And Leclerc is 1.4. I’ll keep you posted. Ricciardo slows to let Leclerc lap him
Lap: 55/62 RIC: 1’38.263
Hamelin	Offset three.
Hamelin	Okay consider EB12. Okay Leclerc is 3.5 away now, let’s get back into the rhythm.
Lap: 57/62 RIC: 1’36.357
Hamelin	Okay Daniel head down push on.

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Sainz’s Defensive Masterclass: Holding Off Alonso on Worn Tyres

Towards the closing stages of the Singapore Grand Prix, Carlos Sainz found himself in a precarious position, battling with significantly worn tyres while facing the relentless pressure of a charging Fernando Alonso. Sainz’s engineer, Adami, provided crucial updates on Alonso’s proximity, emphasizing the need for meticulous tyre management to hold onto his position. The conversation also touched upon hypothetical Safety Car scenarios, highlighting the constant strategic calculations taking place within the team.

Despite the fatigue and degradation of his tyres, Sainz demonstrated exceptional defensive driving and tyre preservation skills. He maintained his composure, executing his strategy to perfection, and successfully fended off Alonso’s advances in the final laps. The radio exchange reveals Sainz’s acute awareness of his tyre condition and his determination to push to the very end. This defensive masterclass allowed him to secure a valuable points finish for Ferrari, proving his ability to perform under extreme pressure even when the car’s performance window was narrowing. His late-race query about Ricciardo “going for fastest lap” also showed his awareness of other drivers’ late-race gambits.

Lap: 44/62 SAI: 1’37.870
Sainz	And if we box for soft in a Safety Car, which I come out?
Adami	We believe everybody will take it at that stage, we’ll take it.
Sainz	And if they don’t? Give me a position…
Adami	Four positions, four positions. Also, if we stop now, losing four positions.
Lap: 52/62 SAI: 1’38.499
Sainz	Let me know when I can push ’til the end.
Adami	Copy.
Adami	And we are happy what you are doing ’til the end with tyres. Fernando 3.9 behind. Will be tight but should be do-able, hopefully, 10 laps to go.
Lap: 60/62 SAI: 1’38.838
Adami	SOC four. Flashing blues for Ricciardo in front.
Sainz	Where are the blues?
Adami	Ricciardo in front, flashing blues.
Sainz	He’s going for fastest lap, no?
Adami	Yeah.
Chequered flag
Sainz	It’s a shame because the start was quite good, but then someone did a banzai move in turn one.

Magnussen’s Premature Exit: Clipping the Wall Ends His Race

Kevin Magnussen’s race came to an abrupt and disappointing end after he sustained damage to his car by clipping the wall at Turn 8. This incident, occurring late in the race, left his Haas in a compromised condition, necessitating his retirement. His engineer, Slade, swiftly instructed him to pit and stop the car outside the garage, confirming the end of his participation. Magnussen’s apologetic tone over the radio, “Sorry about that, man,” conveyed his frustration at the mistake and the premature conclusion to his Grand Prix. It was a tough return to action following his recent ban, highlighting the unforgiving nature of street circuits and the fine margins between success and failure in Formula 1.

Lap: 57/62 MAG: 1’48.409
Slade	Box Kev box, please confirm.
Magnussen	Box, box.
Lap: 58/62 MAG:
Slade	Stop outside the front of the garage, please. Stop outside the front of the garage.
Magnussen	Sorry about that, man.

Russell’s Resilience: Containing Leclerc’s Late-Race Charge

Charles Leclerc’s impressive late-race charge, fueled by fresh tyres and an aggressive strategy, ultimately met its match when he caught up to George Russell. Despite Leclerc’s formidable pace, Russell’s Mercedes proved to be too strong in terms of acceleration and overall performance on the challenging Marina Bay circuit. Leclerc’s frustrated radio message, “Traction is too good for them,” perfectly encapsulated the challenge he faced. It highlighted the Mercedes’ superior grip and exit speed from corners, making it virtually impossible for Leclerc to mount a successful overtaking attempt in the closing laps.

Russell’s defensive prowess and the Mercedes’ inherent strengths on this particular circuit allowed him to successfully hold off the Ferrari, securing his position. This battle, though not for the very front, was a compelling display of skill and machine capability, demonstrating how even a driver on older tyres can effectively defend against a faster car if their vehicle excels in key performance areas. It was a testament to Russell’s composure under pressure and the strategic advantage of Mercedes’ package on such a demanding track.

Lap: 60/62 LEC: 1’38.166
Bozzi	Three laps to go.
Lap: 61/62 LEC: 1’38.326
Bozzi	Two laps to go.
Leclerc	Traction is too good for them.
Lap: 62/62 LEC: 1’38.726
Bozzi	And last lap, last lap.

A Slight Sour Note: Norris’s Fastest Lap Sniped at the Finish

Lando Norris’s otherwise flawless victory in Singapore was tinged with a minor disappointment right at the chequered flag. After an exceptional drive, securing his third Formula 1 win, his team initially congratulated him on also achieving the fastest lap of the race. This bonus point would have been a perfect complement to his dominant performance. However, the celebratory mood quickly shifted as his engineer, Joseph, had to deliver the news that another driver, who had pitted very late, had snatched the fastest lap away in the dying moments of the Grand Prix.

Despite the slight sour note, the primary achievement of winning the race remained paramount. The radio exchanges reflect the immediate joy and satisfaction of a well-deserved victory, followed by the mild deflating realization that the perfect points haul had just slipped away. This incident is a common occurrence in modern F1, where teams often gamble on a late pit stop for fresh soft tyres to grab the fastest lap point from drivers who have managed their race on harder compounds. While it didn’t detract from Norris’s stellar performance, it served as a reminder of the relentless competition for every single point in Formula 1.

Chequered flag
Norris	Lovely jubbly. Amazing car all weekend. Thank you very much, everyone. One of many, let’s keep pushing
Joseph	Well done. Oscar just came in P3 and I think you got fastest lap too.
Joseph	Ah, apologies. Someone pitted at the very end and grabbed it from you. Anyway, P1. Well done, mate.

Ricciardo’s Controversial Fastest Lap Attempt and Final Race

Daniel Ricciardo’s challenging Singapore Grand Prix concluded with a controversial and much-debated attempt to set the fastest lap. After enduring a race plagued by an early brake issue and multiple pit stops, RB opted to give him a third set of fresh soft tyres in the final laps. This strategic call was a clear attempt to snatch the fastest lap bonus point, a move that stirred significant discussion among fans and pundits, especially given that it was widely understood to be Ricciardo’s final Formula 1 race.

The radio communications during these last laps reveal the deliberate nature of the attempt. Ricciardo was instructed on specific engine modes and differential settings to maximize his speed. Despite the clear efforts and specific commands from his engineer, Pierre Hamelin, Ricciardo’s messages don’t explicitly indicate a personal desire for a “glory run” fastest lap, rather he was following team orders. Hamelin’s concluding remarks, “Obviously we tried and nothing happened out there so it didn’t work out. But I’m glad we tried. I think that was a very well-managed stint on the medium. Very well managed. You’ve done all the right things there, and you’ve got the fastest lap,” initially suggest the attempt failed. However, the subsequent list of final positions, including “you’ve got the fastest lap,” creates a confusing narrative, implying success despite earlier comments. This ambiguity fueled the debate, highlighting the strategic complexities and occasional communication quirks within F1. Regardless of the outcome, it added a final, dramatic chapter to Ricciardo’s Singapore outing and his F1 career, ending with a flurry of pit stops and a contentious fastest lap attempt.

Lap: 58/62 RIC: 1’44.940
Hamelin	Ricciardo is told to make an attempt to set the fastest lap Daniel we are on diff exit two for fastest lap.
Hamelin	Box box, box box. Just ahead of Sainz pit exit. Keep the pace up.
Lap: 59/62 RIC: 1’58.881
Hamelin	Okay you’re just ahead of Sainz pit exit. [Unclear]
Hamelin	Keep pushing. Keep pushing.
Hamelin	Okay Daniel heads up. After turn 14 we will go charge ‘on’, start 12, mode one. Sainz 2.5.
Hamelin	Charge on, strat 12, mode one. Sainz 2.4. Offset one, one click rearwards. Strat 12, charge off.
Lap: 60/62 RIC: 1’34.486
Hamelin	And push toggle turn 13.
Lap: 61/62 RIC: 1’39.550
Hamelin	Strat two when you can.
Hamelin	Mode 10, mode 10. This is last lap.
Lap: 62/62 RIC:
Hamelin	Okay charge on, fail 84 please. Obviously we tried and nothing happened out there so it didn’t work out.
Hamelin	But I’m glad we tried. I think that was a very well-managed stint on the medium. Very well managed. You’ve done all the right things there, and you’ve got the fastest lap.
Ricciardo	Understood. Yep. Thank you, guys. Thank you.
Hamelin	Okay, so that’s Norris, Max, Piastri top three, Russell P4, Leclerc P5, Hamilton P6, Sainz P7, Alonso in P8, Hulkenberg P9 and Perez P10 he’s been trying most of the race to get by Hulkenberg, didn’t manage. And Yuki finished P12 behind Colapinto. Okay mate, thanks again for the hard work. We will stop at the bridge, P1 and full car switch off, P0 and everything else.

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