George Russell claimed a dominant victory at the Singapore Grand Prix on Sunday. However, his triumph was somewhat overshadowed by McLaren – not only because the ‘papayas’ were celebrating another title at the Marina Bay Street Circuit, but also because their drivers clashed once again. Meanwhile, Max Verstappen finished in a commendable second place, ahead of both Norris and Piastri. Here’s what the international media had to say about the Singapore Grand Prix!
Italian media emphasized that Russell completely controlled the Singapore Grand Prix, although McLaren and Max Verstappen dominated the headlines. “McLaren was clearly faster than Red Bull,” writes La Gazzetta dello Sport. “The papaya duo took risks at the start, with Norris – who finished third – attacking teammate Oscar Piastri. In doing so, he damaged his front wing and angered the Australian, who finished fourth. While they may be celebrating the constructors’ title in Woking, a third race in a row without a victory is still a warning. They really need to start winning now.” Regarding Russell’s victory, the Italian newspaper was brief: “It was a Russell show in Singapore. The Brit won without any resistance; he started perfectly from pole position, having already broken the track record on Saturday.”
Spanish media mainly focused on the final phase of the Singapore Grand Prix and the duel between Max Verstappen and Lando Norris. The latter couldn’t overtake his title rival, causing his lead in the championship to shrink further. “The four-time champion managed to hold on for 22 laps, despite problems with his rear brakes,” writes Marca. “Lando always seems to shrink when he has his arch-rival in front of him. There are still six Grands Prix to go, three of which are sprint races. Verstappen still has some time to climb further. And if he has proven one thing, it’s that nothing is impossible for him. If McLaren continues in this relaxed mode, anything can still happen.”
Implications for the Upcoming Races
Meanwhile, McLaren secured a new constructor’s title, although not everyone shared in the celebration. “It should have been a reason to celebrate, but there was little festive mood among the papayas,” observed our eastern neighbors from Bild. “And certainly not for Oscar Piastri. In addition to the constructor’s championship, the McLaren star also wants to clinch the driver’s title. The biggest rival of the championship leader is teammate Lando Norris. With six races to go, they are 22 points apart.”
Finally, the French L’Équipe explains that Piastri should be grateful for the strong performances of George Russell and Max Verstappen. Otherwise, Norris could have further closed the gap in the championship. “Thanks to Russell and Verstappen, Piastri was able to limit the damage in the title fight,” says the medium. “Norris tried everything to dislodge Verstappen from second place, while the four-time world champion complained several times about his Red Bull. During a braking action, he came dangerously close to the tire wall, but it was in vain for the Brit.” And what about the collision between the two McLaren drivers? “It is undoubtedly an action that will have consequences when the two men meet again in the upcoming races,” concludes L’Équipe. To be continued.
