Smart Play or Ethical Dilemma? Lando Norris Responds to Daniel Ricciardo’s Fastest Lap ‘Steal’ in Singapore GP

Lando Norris is unbothered by Daniel Ricciardo taking the fastest lap point, calling it a "smart move" by Red Bull in Singapore.

Lando Norris mentioned that he has no issues with Daniel Ricciardo securing the bonus point for the fastest lap during the F1 Singapore Grand Prix.

The RB driver made a last-minute third pit stop to switch to fresh soft tires towards the end of Sunday's race, and then went on to clock the fastest lap during the final lap, a record previously held by McLaren's Norris.

By doing this, Ricciardo took a point from Norris and McLaren, which aided Max Verstappen and Red Bull—teams that share an owner with sister team RB—in their championship battles.

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

When questioned about his thoughts upon learning that Ricciardo had secured the fastest lap, the 24-year-old British driver responded, “Good job, Daniel. I’m not sure.”

"I can't seem to do anything right with him. I gave my all to get a faster lap while the tires were still in good shape midway through. But you can't win them all, right?"

Over the past few weekends, I've put in my best effort to achieve faster lap times, and most of the time, I've succeeded. However, it's impossible for me to outpace someone using fresh soft tires when I'm on hard tires midway through a stint. That's just the reality of the situation.

Though there is no proof that Red Bull instructed RB to bring Ricciardo into the pit, the outcome of this choice, which eventually helped Verstappen in his championship pursuit, has sparked ethical concerns.

When questioned about whether he felt it was unjust, Norris replied, "That's the way it's been in Formula 1 for as long as I can remember, likely even before I was born, so… there's nothing to criticize."

"There have been times before when other competitors were in the race. We attempt to win against them. So, yes, their move makes sense. It was a clever strategy. I'm pleased for Daniel. That's everything."

Daniel Ricciardo, who is anticipated to be replaced by Liam Lawson for the upcoming United States Grand Prix, humorously mentioned that he is looking forward to receiving a Christmas gift from Red Bull.

He told Sky that, although he has nothing against Lando, a part of him is actually hoping Max wins by a single point. If that happens, he believes he'll earn himself a great Christmas gift.

"Well, I believe it's somewhat influenced by Red Bull. But perhaps it's a final attempt to go for a quick performance, if that's the case."

Christian Horner, the head of the Red Bull team, also recognized that Ricciardo's actions could be crucial.

"We are fully aware of Daniel's skills and accomplishments," Horner stated in an interview with the official F1 channel.

"He demonstrated once more with that last lap, which was crucial for us because it ultimately took the point away from Lando."

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