Charles Leclerc has won his third race of 2024 campaign by dominating the United States GP in Austin, Texas.

Lando Norris started the race from pole and in the lead up to turn 1 he sustained that lead, but then Max Verstappen saw a very small gap to pass, however the move was unsuccessful and forced Lando off circuit, allowing Charles to pass both them both and was unchallenged for the rest of the Grand Prix.

Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz was able to get 2nd position from a successful attempt at an undercut on Verstappen

This left Max Verstappen and Lando Norris to battle out for the last spot on the podium, which Max held onto after Lando received a penalty.

From the very start of the race the Max v Lando battle was on. As stated earlier it was a dive from Max that handed Charles Leclerc the lead. Interestingly, despite Max forcing Lando off the track, there was no mention from the stewards.

The last stint saw the pair fight for 3rd. For several laps, Verstappen executed a solid defensive strategy, holding off Norris until the McLaren driver attempted an outside pass at Turn 12 on lap 52.

Verstappen tightly defended the inside line but drifted wide, forcing Norris off the track. The McLaren driver managed to emerge ahead in third place.

Verstappen quickly voiced his objections, leading to an investigation by the stewards, who determined that Norris had gained an advantage by leaving the track.

Lando did cross the finish line in 3rd position but lost the trophy due to receiving a five-second penalty, handing over 3rd place to Max Verstappen.

Due to this, Max has now increased his championship lead to 57 points.

Oscar Piastri finished a solitary race in fifth place, managing to close the gap on the battling Verstappen and Norris in the final laps, though he never posed a serious challenge to them.

George Russell executed a long first stint after starting from the pit lane and secured sixth place by overtaking Sergio Perez late in the race.

Nico Hulkenberg added valuable points for Haas with an eighth-place finish, while Liam Lawson delivered an impressive performance to match his best result of ninth in his return to Formula 1. Starting from the back of the grid, Lawson avoided trouble and employed a Hard/Medium strategy to break into the top ten.

Franco Colapinto followed a similar approach, clinching the final point in tenth place, while Kevin Magnussen, who started strongly, became the first two-stopper and ultimately finished 11th.

Pierre Gasly’s promising early race was marred by a slow pit stop and a time penalty, dropping him to 12th, while Aston Martin struggled for pace, leaving Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll to finish 13th and 15th, respectively. Yuki Tsunoda, frustrated after being overtaken by Lawson, spun at Turn 1.

Alex Albon and Esteban Ocon collided on the opening lap, sending the Alpine into a spin, and they ended up in 16th and 18th place. Valtteri Bottas crossed the line in 17th for Sauber, while Zhou Guanyu, who had a solid start, fell to the back after spinning at Turn 1.

Lewis Hamilton’s difficult US Grand Prix ended prematurely when he spun off into the gravel at Turn 19. After making up five positions from his starting spot of 17th in the opening lap, Hamilton lost control of the W15, leading to the car getting stuck in the gravel and triggering a brief Safety Car period—the first since the Canadian GP.

Lando Norris Dominates the 2024 Singapore Grand Prix Under the Lights

Lando Norris claimed a commanding victory at the 2024 Singapore Grand Prix, converting his pole position into a stunning win. The McLaren driver led the race from the start, crossing the line 20.9 seconds ahead of Max Verstappen in second, with Oscar Piastri completing the podium.

The start of the race saw Norris fend off a challenge from Verstappen into Turn 1, maintaining his lead as the field settled into a rhythm. As the laps unfolded, Norris stretched his advantage, setting the fastest lap of the race at 1m34.925s on Lap 50, cementing his dominance over the field. By the final lap, Norris had opened up a 21.9-second lead, securing his first victory of the season in style.

Verstappen, despite his best efforts, could not match Norris’ pace and had to settle for second place. Oscar Piastri put in a brilliant drive, overtaking Mercedes’ George Russell for third place with a bold move around the outside. The young Australian had been catching Russell for several laps before finally making his move on Lap 45.

Leclerc’s Charge Falls Short

Charles Leclerc was another driver to watch, as he battled his way up the field late in the race. After passing Lewis Hamilton for fifth at Turn 5 on Lap 50, Leclerc set his sights on Russell, closing the gap to within DRS range in the final laps. However, despite his best efforts, Leclerc couldn’t find a way past the Mercedes driver and finished a solid fifth.

Hamilton, who had been overtaken by both Leclerc and Piastri, had to settle for sixth place, while Carlos Sainz finished seventh after allowing his teammate Leclerc through following team orders from Ferrari.

Ricciardo’s Farewell?

In what could be his final race in Formula 1, Daniel Ricciardo took a bittersweet fastest lap towards the end of the race. The Australian, who has been a fan favourite throughout his career, put in a brilliant 1m34.602s on fresh tyres, grabbing the fastest lap honours. With rumours swirling about Liam Lawson being set to take his seat for the remainder of the season, this could mark a poignant farewell for Ricciardo in his F1 career.

Drama for Magnussen, Steady Drives from Alonso and Hulkenberg

Kevin Magnussen suffered a puncture on Lap 52, but fortunately for the field, there was no debris on track, and the race continued without the need for a Safety Car. Fernando Alonso finished eighth, with Nico Hulkenberg ninth and Sergio Perez rounding out the top ten.

Final Classification – Top 10:

1. Lando Norris (McLaren)
2. Max Verstappen (Red Bull)
3. Oscar Piastri (McLaren)
4. George Russell (Mercedes)
5. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari)
6. Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes)
7. Carlos Sainz (Ferrari)
8. Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin)
9. Nico Hulkenberg (Haas)
10. Sergio Perez (Red Bull)

The Singapore Grand Prix saw some intense battles in the midfield, but ultimately, it was a race dominated by Lando Norris from start to finish. Daniel Ricciardo’s fastest lap could be the closing chapter of a remarkable career, with the young Liam Lawson waiting in the wings to take his place. The McLaren resurgence, with both Norris and Piastri on the podium, continues to be one of the most exciting stories of the 2024 season.

2024 Singapore Grand Prix Race Prediction:

Buckle up for our 2024 Singapore Grand Prix race prediction! The stage is set for an intense battle on the streets of Marina Bay. With Lando Norris securing pole position ahead of Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton, fans are in for an exciting race. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect based on the qualifying results and track conditions, as well as a few bold predictions for Sunday. It’s going to be a hard race to predict like we have come to expect of Formula One in 2024 but this is how we think it will turn out!

Front Row Drama: Norris vs. Verstappen

Lando Norris starts from pole for McLaren, delivering a stellar lap in Q3 to claim the top spot. This will be a crucial opportunity for him, as Singapore’s street circuit makes overtaking notoriously difficult. Norris has shown he’s comfortable with the pressure, and McLaren’s pace this season suggests he’ll be able to control the early stages of the race.

However, Max Verstappen, starting from P2, will be breathing down his neck. Verstappen’s time in qualifying was strong despite a deleted lap due to yellow flags, and the Red Bull driver is relentless when it comes to chasing victories. While McLaren might have the pace, Red Bull’s race pace has dramatically improved on Saturday. Expect Verstappen to keep the pressure on Norris from the start, potentially challenging him into Turn 1. A battle between these two could define the race.

Hamilton and Russell: Mercedes Poised to Pounce

Starting P3 and P4, Lewis Hamilton and George Russell will be right in the mix. Mercedes have looked solid all weekend, and while they may not have the raw pace of the McLarens or Red Bulls in qualifying, their long-run performance is something to watch. Hamilton is a master in Singapore, with four wins to his name at this circuit, and he knows how to keep his tyres alive on this demanding track.

With both Mercedes cars starting high up the grid, the team’s strategy could prove pivotal. Don’t be surprised to see a bold undercut attempt or a well-timed pit stop shake up the order. If Norris and Verstappen engage in a fierce battle, Mercedes could capitalize on any mistakes or wear on the tyres.

The McLaren Duo: Norris and Piastri Double Threat

While Norris will start from pole, McLaren’s other driver, Oscar Piastri, lines up in P5. The rookie has been impressive all season and could play a key role in McLaren’s strategy. If Piastri can stay close to the front group, he could find himself in contention for a podium, especially if any of the leaders falter. A strong points finish for McLaren with both cars would cement their resurgence this season.

Battle of the Midfield Predictions : Hulkenberg, Alonso, and Tsunoda

The battle in the midfield promises to be just as captivating, with Nico Hulkenberg (P6), Fernando Alonso (P7), and Yuki Tsunoda (P8) all starting within striking distance of each other. Alonso, the seasoned veteran, will likely be looking to gain positions early and use his experience to stay ahead of the scrappy Tsunoda and the consistent Hulkenberg.

Alonso, in particular, could be a dark horse for a podium. The Aston Martin has shown strong race pace in 2024, and Alonso is known for thriving in difficult conditions, making him a driver to watch if safety cars come into play.

Ferrari’s Struggles: Leclerc and Sainz on the Back Foot

Ferrari fans might be in for a tough race, with Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz starting P9 and P10, respectively. After Sainz’s crash in Q3 and Leclerc’s struggle for pace, both drivers will need a strong recovery to fight for the top spots. Ferrari’s tyre degradation has been a concern all season, and Singapore’s high temperatures won’t help.

Both drivers will need to rely on strategy and potential safety car interventions to make up ground. Given Ferrari’s up-and-down season, expect them to be aggressive with strategy calls, particularly if they see a window to leapfrog into the midfield or higher.

Wildcards and Dark Horses:

Keep an eye on the likes of Brad Binder, Yuki Tsunoda, and even Fernando Alonso. This track often throws surprises, and with its close walls, bumps, and high heat, anything can happen. Drivers like Alonso, with vast experience, and Hulkenberg, who thrives on consistency, could benefit from safety car chaos or strategic brilliance to find themselves higher up than expected.

Bold Prediction:

We’re predicting a Norris-Verstappen showdown for the ages. While Verstappen’s race pace will likely give him the edge, McLaren’s improved form and Norris’ grid position could give the young Brit his best chance of a win in 2024. Hamilton could sneak into the mix as well, using his experience and racecraft to challenge the front two.

Top 3 Prediction:

1. Lando Norris – If McLaren can nail the strategy and keep him out of trouble, Norris will be hunting for his second win of the season.
2. Lewis Hamilton – Singapore is his playground, and with the right strategy, Hamilton could make the podium, especially if the leaders struggle with tyre wear.
3. Oscar Piastri – Will make his way on to the podium. He has been fast all weekend and will be there to pick up the pieces when the guys in front make a mistake.
4. Max Verstappen – After the improvements in Qualifying will run a solid race. P4 is the best we predict.

Key Factors to Watch:

• Tyre degradation will play a huge role, especially with the high temperatures in Singapore. Watch for the undercut and strategic pit stops.
• Safety cars are almost guaranteed in Singapore, and these could drastically change the order. Teams will need to react quickly.
• Turn 1 drama: With Norris and Verstappen side-by-side on the front row, expect fireworks off the line.

Buckle up – it’s going to be a night race to remember!

Checkout https://www.formula1.com/ for more information and when the lights go out.