Norris Gracefully Accepts Ricciardo’s Strategic Fastest Lap in F1 Singapore GP, Aiding Red Bull’s Championship Quest

Lando Norris expressed no issues regarding what he termed a "clever strategy" by Red Bull in Singapore, involving Daniel Ricciardo's rapid lap point 'snatch'.

Lando Norris expressed that he harbors no grievances over Daniel Ricciardo securing the fastest lap bonus point instead of him during the F1 Singapore Grand Prix.

The RB racer opted for a last-minute third pit stop for fresh soft tyres towards Sunday's race conclusion and subsequently recorded the quickest lap on the final circuit, a record previously owned by McLaren's Norris.

By achieving this, Ricciardo secured a point at the expense of Norris and McLaren, aiding Max Verstappen and Red Bull, who are connected through common ownership with the sister team RB, in their individual battles for the championship.

Norris's triumph against Verstappen in Singapore has reduced the Dutch driver's lead in the championship to 52 points, with only six races left.

When inquired about his feelings upon learning that Ricciardo had achieved the quickest lap, the young 24-year-old from Britain responded, "Good job, Daniel. I'm not sure."

"No matter what I attempt, it doesn't seem to impress him. I really pushed myself to achieve a faster lap time while the tyres were still in optimal shape. However, I realize I can't win every time."

"I've put in a lot of effort to improve my lap times during the recent weekends, and I've succeeded more often than not. However, when I'm in the middle of a run on hard tyres, I just can't outpace someone on fresh softs. That's just the way things are."

Despite the lack of proof that Red Bull directed RB to have Ricciardo pit, the outcome of this strategy, which ended up supporting Verstappen's championship pursuit, has sparked debates over its morality.

Pressed for his opinion on whether he found it unjust, Norris replied, "That's been the nature of Formula 1, I believe, even before my time, so… I see no reason to grumble.

"In previous competitions, others have participated in the races. Our strategy has been to outperform them. Therefore, it was a sensible move on their part. Pleased for Daniel. That sums it up."

Ricciardo humorously mentioned he anticipates a holiday gift from Red Bull, as he's likely to be replaced by Liam Lawson in the RB seat for the forthcoming United States Grand Prix.

"In a conversation with Sky, he shared, without meaning any disrespect to Lando, that he's somewhat rooting for Max to win by a single point. He believes such an outcome would ensure him a particularly lavish Christmas gift."

"Clearly, there's a hint of Red Bull inspiration there. But perhaps it's more about seizing one final opportunity to achieve something swift, if that's what's destined."

Team leader of Red Bull, Christian Horner, also recognized the possible significance of Ricciardo's deeds.

"Horner expressed to the official F1 channel, 'We're fully aware of Daniel's talents and his achievements.'"

"Once more, his performance in the last lap proved to be crucial for us, as it clearly took a point away from Lando."

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