Singapore – September 24, 2024 Lando Norris’ remarkable victory at the Singapore Grand Prix has tightened the Formula 1 2024 title race and brought Max Verstappen’s dominance under threat. Norris, with his third win this season, now trails the F1 championship leader by just 52 points, setting up a thrilling finale to the year. Meanwhile, Mexican driver Checo Pérez has been officially eliminated from the title race, further compounding a disappointing season for Red Bull Racing.
Verstappen’s Lead Under Pressure After Singapore GP
Lando Norris‘ flawless drive in Marina Bay earned him 25 crucial points, bringing his total to 279 and narrowing the gap behind Verstappen, who currently stands at 331 points. The reigning champion finished second, adding 18 points to his tally but faces increasing pressure with six races remaining in the season. With Norris’ momentum building and Verstappen’s performance needing to stay consistent, the prospect of a title upset looms large over the final stretch of the F1 2024 season.
Verstappen, the three-time Formula 1 world champion, hasn’t faced such a close challenge since 2020. With the United States Grand Prix next, all eyes will be on how the Dutch driver responds to the rising competition.
Checo Pérez’s Struggles in 2024: Red Bull’s Setback
For Checo Pérez, 2024 has been a season of missed opportunities and underwhelming results. The Mexican driver currently sits in eighth place with 144 points, and despite earning a single point at the Singapore GP, he has no mathematical chance to compete for the drivers’ championship. This marks Pérez’s most challenging season since joining Red Bull Racing, and his underperformance has also impacted the team’s position in the Constructor’s Championship.
With six races and 180 points still up for grabs, Pérez could theoretically reach a total of 324 points, but that still leaves him short of Verstappen’s current lead. It’s a far cry from the expectations set at the start of the season, and Red Bull’s team management is likely feeling the pressure, particularly as the team lost its lead in the Constructors’ Championship after Singapore.
McLaren Overtakes Red Bull in the Constructors’ Championship
McLaren’s recent form has been nothing short of spectacular. With Norris’ 25-point win and teammate Oscar Piastri finishing third to secure 15 points, the British team has surged to tie with Red Bull Racing at 516 points. However, with more podium finishes this season, McLaren now leads the Constructor’s standings, putting Red Bull in second place for the first time this year.
The standout performances by both Norris and Piastri—who together have secured five wins and 18 podium finishes—contrast sharply with Red Bull’s reliance on Verstappen. While Verstappen has earned seven wins and 11 podiums in 2024, Pérez’s four podiums without a single win have hampered the team’s ability to stay ahead. As a result, McLaren’s rise in the 2024 Constructors’ Championship has been attributed to their consistency and balance between both drivers.
The Road Ahead: Can Verstappen Hold On?
As the season continues, the Formula 1 title race becomes increasingly tense. While Verstappen still holds a significant lead, Norris and McLaren are surging at the right time. With circuits like Texas, Mexico, and Brazil yet to come, there are ample opportunities for both drivers and teams to change the dynamics of the standings.
For fans and analysts alike, the next race in the United States, taking place at the Circuit of the Americas on October 20, will be pivotal. Can Verstappen regain control, or will Norris’ late-season charge see him pull off one of the biggest upsets in recent F1 history?
