Depressing Prediction Aside, Lando Norris Reveals 4-Step Plan for a Podium Heist at Singapore GP

Qualifying at the Singapore GP was always going to be a treat to watch. Saturday at the Marina Bay Circuit provided one of the most exciting qualifying sessions of the season. The Red Bulls of Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez were out in Q2! On a 15-race-winning streak, no one expected Red Bull to be as bad as it was in Singapore. But to many people’s delight, Red Bull wasn’t bluffing about its shocking pace. Owing to that, one of the beneficiaries was McLaren’s Lando Norris.

In his further new and improved MCL60, Norris looked in a good place all weekend. His confidence in himself and the car paid off in qualifying as he put in a stellar lap to line up in P4 for the race. Considering he’s just one place off the podium, he should’ve been optimistic about his chances. Well, that’s not the case, and he revealed why.

The podium might be a long shot for Lando Norris

Coming into the Singapore GP, McLaren introduced another significant upgrade package to Norris’ car. Like in Austria, the updates seem to be working, and Norris is happy with them. Despite being in a good position to fight for a podium in one of his favorite races, Norris isn’t too optimistic. In a post-qualifying interview with Sky Sports, he said, “In terms of racing and overtaking, it’s pretty impossible. Still a lot of unknowns in degradation for the 60 laps. I think no one has done more than 10-12 laps in a row.”

Singapore is a physical challenge for drivers and their cars. The extreme temperatures usually lead to overheating issues. To add to that, McLaren isn’t the best when it comes to tire degradation. It’s also not the best at overtaking or following. All that put together points to how difficult the race will be for Norris. Yes, the McLaren has the second-fastest race pace based on analysis, but that doesn’t trump the underlying issues with the MCL60 that persist. As a racing driver, though, Norris won’t give up without a fight. He explained where he could make gains to get that podium. 

When asked how he’ll get ahead on Sunday, he said, “First lap, VSC, Safety car, pitstops.” The first lap always gives good opportunities for overtaking. The Marina Bay Circuit is notorious for Safety Car and Virtual Safety Car interruptions. The pitstop advantage a driver gets, as a result, could change their race completely. If he capitalizes on these four things, he believes it could play into his hands. Despite knowing what to do on Sunday, he knows who he most likely won’t compete against.

Read More: Andrea Stella Contradicts Lando Norris’ Glorification of McLaren’s Progress to Pass a Stern Reality Check

A win will be an extra-long shot for Lando Norris

It’s evident McLaren’s Singapore upgrade package has helped it make significant gains. While McLaren struggled in low- and medium-speed corners at the beginning of the season, the MCL60 is doing pretty well for itself now. Norris said about his qualifying performance, “It was a very good result for us today. I know two-tenths doesn’t sound a lot, but I did my best laps by quite a long way in Q3. To be P4—maybe some people expected more, but I’m very happy with it.”

To get to the podium, he has to make up just one place. To get the win, he’ll have to make up three. Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc in P1 and P3. Mercedes’ George Russell in P2. They’re not the easiest cars to get past. Norris said to himself. Discussing the upgrades, he said, “We’re understanding the new parts, but we made a step forward, so I’m happy. We’re close to Aston Martin and Red Bull. But at the moment, the two Ferraris are too quick.”

Where do you think Lando Norris will cross the line on Sunday?

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