Max Verstappen criticized Lando Norris for failing to clear the track at the end of Singapore Grand Prix qualifying, a situation that he believes cost him a chance at securing his first Formula 1 pole at the Marina Bay circuit. The incident unfolded as Norris was returning to the pitlane just as Verstappen was starting his final flying lap during Q3.
Details of the Late-Session Clash at Marina Bay
During the closing moments of qualifying, Verstappen encountered Norris near Turn 17 as the McLaren driver headed back to the pits after his last timed lap. Verstappen was then forced to slow down approaching Turns 18 and 19, as Norris had not yet cleared the racing line. This interruption disrupted Verstappen’s flow, leaving him in “dirty air” that reduced his car’s downforce and impaired his ability to challenge George Russell for pole position.
Russell secured pole position for the Mercedes team, marking his second top qualifying performance of the season. Verstappen’s frustration stemmed from the belief that Norris’ actions could have been avoided given there were only ten cars on the track during Q3.
Verstappen Attributes Delay to Norris’ Lack of Awareness
Verstappen suggested that Norris appeared disengaged or “bored” during his return to the pitlane, which meant he was not focused on faster cars on their hot laps. On a street circuit like Singapore, where turbulent air from cars in front can cause significant loss of aerodynamic grip, Verstappen explained how this lack of clean air compromised his lap.
“I think it’s quite clear that that’s something that is not nice when it happens to someone. I think in general, we are always quite good at that. All the drivers, we try to stay out of the way,”
Verstappen said, adding,
“I mean, sometimes, it’s always a bit more complicated in certain scenarios. Every scenario is a bit different, but in this case, in Q3 with only 10 cars on the track, I think it could have been avoided.”
Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing
He further elaborated on the nature of qualifying at a tight street venue, noting the usual practice of leaving a six to seven-second gap to avoid any disruption. Despite those efforts, Verstappen lamented the mistake by Norris during this particular session, which affected his confidence and pace on his final lap.
“In qualifying, you always try to leave gaps of about six or seven seconds at least, because you want no disturbance. Normally, of course, in Q3, you don’t see a car, unless you’re on a different program,”
Verstappen said. He continued,
“But I think around here, it’s quite clear what you want to do, so you leave quite big gaps. But then, of course, sometimes it happens on a street circuit that people are bored, make mistakes.”
Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing
The loss of downforce resulted in Verstappen running wide on one corner, derailing his chance to post the fastest lap needed to challenge Russell’s time.
“When you then get a car two, three seconds in front of you, you need every kind of clean air that you can have on a Q3 lap, especially because you’re fully on the limit with braking and everything. I lost a bit of downforce with that, so I went straight on.”
Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing
Impact on Championship and Next Steps
Verstappen’s inability to claim pole position has implications for the race strategy at the Singapore Grand Prix, where starting position often plays a critical role due to the circuit’s tight layout. With George Russell leading the grid, Verstappen and Red Bull Racing will need to focus on race pace and overtaking opportunities to regain advantage.
This qualifying incident highlights tensions and the fine margins involved in F1 qualifying, especially at street tracks where aerodynamic conditions are crucial. Verstappen’s comments point to frustrations about the coordination and awareness expected from drivers during decisive qualifying laps.
As the teams prepare for the race, attention will likely focus on whether team principals or race officials address procedural measures to prevent similar overlaps on track, ensuring that drivers returning to the pits do not interfere with those on hot laps during key qualifying sessions.
