F1 | SINGAPORE GP, THE POINT BY GIAN CARLO MINARDI “ON MCLAREN’S DAY, FERRARI CONFIRMS IT IS THE FOURTH FORCE”

The weekend in Singapore officially awarded the title of World Constructors’ Champion to McLaren for the second consecutive year and also saw Mercedes’ win with a fantastic Russell.

Despite the heat and the high humidity, Mercedes managed to make the difference right from qualifying. Kimi Antonelli completed a positive weekend for the team with his fifth place, consolidating second place in the constructors’ championship, and with Ferrari having to look over its shoulders for the arrival of Red Bull. However, the team from Maranello is currently the fourth force.

Something more was certainly expected from the drivers in the papaya-coloured car, but with his podium finish Norris gained six points over his direct rival to try to keep the internal battle with Piastri alive. It is clear that the drivers have carte balance. I do not think that Verstappen can still be considered in the race for the title, even if, as usual, he made the others pay a high price, especially now that he is once again supported by the car. With the right support from Tsunoda, they can still aim for third place at the expense of Ferrari.

I found Ferrari’s decision to opt for the “reds” to catch up with Antonelli to be correct. The brake problem ruined Hamilton’s work, but they would not have gone beyond fifth place anyway.

Williams’ performance is to be applauded, with Sainz starting last and crossing the finish line in the points zone with tenth place. On a track where it is practically impossible to overtake, the strategy was excellent, as was the Spaniard’s driving.

Alonso’s result was just as positive; always entertaining on the team-radio and also determined on the track. With Hamilton’s penalty he took home seventh place. I am sure that Adrian Newey had a hand in this too.

Gian Carlo Minardi