During the 2025 Singapore Grand Prix qualifying, Max Verstappen accused McLaren’s Lando Norris of violating an unwritten Formula 1 protocol. The incident took place on the track’s final moments, sparking tension between the drivers as Verstappen claimed Norris’s actions affected his lap performance.
Throughout qualifying, Verstappen showed strong pace as Red Bull introduced a novel front wing, remaining one of the few teams still developing new parts this late in the season ahead of next year’s regulations. Verstappen made the most of the car’s upgrades and was competing for pole position until complications arose on his last flying lap.
On that crucial lap, Lando Norris slowed down near the end of the circuit. Although he was off the racing line, Norris remained on track, which disrupted the aerodynamics of Verstappen’s car due to the turbulent air generated behind him. Given the extreme sensitivity of modern F1 vehicles to airflow, this dirty air can significantly impact lap times and car handling.
Verstappen commented to the media that while Norris was not technically blocking him, there exists an unwritten rule requiring drivers to leave at least an eight-second gap to cars following closely behind, especially during qualifying. Verstappen contended that Norris could have easily adhered to this guideline by entering the pits instead of lingering on the track.
“You can’t say he’s holding me up, because he’s not blocking me. But especially in this phase of qualifying, everyone always leaves a gap of at least eight seconds. That’s an unwritten rule,” he said (via De Telegraaf).
Despite the disruption, Verstappen qualified second and will start the race from pole position, though he believes he lost a genuine chance to secure the outright fastest lap.
Verstappen Reflects on the On-Track Incident with Norris
Verstappen expressed his frustration after qualifying, indicating that his final lap was compromised due to the presence of Norris’s car just ahead. He described how having a vehicle cruising two seconds in front cost him the potential to clinch pole position.
“That’s what happens when there’s a car in front of you just cruising two seconds in front. That’s noted, it will be remembered as well,” Max Verstappen added.
“So that was a bit of a shame, otherwise I think it could have been close for pole. It’s always very exciting here in qualifying. Of course I’m disappointed to not be first, but for us this weekend so far has been really good. The car has been very competitive, so for us to be second again is very good.”
The Singapore Grand Prix has historically been the only race on the current calendar where Verstappen has yet to achieve a victory. Starting from the front row this season boosts his chances of finally conquering this venue.
Technical Developments and Team Strategies Impacting Qualifying
Red Bull’s decision to introduce a new front wing during Singapore qualifying showcased the team’s intent to optimize performance well into the season. Verstappen capitalized on these upgrades to stay competitive under the challenging conditions of a street circuit where aerodynamic efficiency is crucial.
Meanwhile, Norris’s approach to slowing on track, while within the rules, drew criticism from Verstappen due to the strategic implications in qualifying laps. The sensitivity of Formula 1 aerodynamics means even minor disturbances, such as following a slower car in dirty air, can degrade performance notably, affecting time-critical flying laps.
Implications of the Incident on Qualifying Etiquette and Race Prospects
The disagreement highlights ongoing tensions about qualifying etiquette, where drivers usually respect certain unspoken rules to ensure clean laps for themselves and others. Verstappen’s comments underline that while no formal regulation may have been breached, the situation challenged professional norms among drivers.
Starting from pole, Verstappen will seek to convert front-row advantage into a long-awaited victory at Singapore. Meanwhile, Norris’s role in the controversy could influence future qualifying dynamics, emphasizing the need for clearer understandings between competitors in tight sessions.
