Singapore: McLaren driver Lando Norris secured his third Formula 1 victory of the season with a dominant performance at the Singapore Grand Prix, yet he remains measured about his championship prospects. While celebrating the win, Norris stressed that his focus remains on giving his best effort, recognizing the formidable challenge posed by Red Bull's Max Verstappen. As reported by MotorSport, Norris is aware of the uphill battle ahead. Photo courtesy: Getty Images.

His win marked McLaren’s first victory in Singapore since Lewis Hamilton’s triumph in 2009, showcasing the team's resurgence after a 15-year hiatus from the top step of the podium in the city-state.

Championship Hopes - A Tough Road Ahead
Despite the victory, Norris only managed to gain eight points on Verstappen, who still leads the championship by a wide margin. When asked about his chances of closing the gap to the Dutchman, Norris admitted it’s a difficult task.
"We have no idea, mate. I don’t know. I can’t tell the future,” He remarked when questioned about catching up to the reigning champion. "We’re doing our best, and so are they. It’s not going to be easy—it’s against Red Bull and Max, the most dominant pairing Formula 1 has ever seen."

Norris acknowledged that while his car has been quick, catching up to Verstappen’s consistent performance will be a monumental challenge. "I still have a lot of points to catch up on, and it’s not going to be easy," he admitted.

McLaren’s Technical Edge
Norris credited McLaren’s technical team for the recent improvements in the car's performance. "We are doing a better job as a team right now because my car and our car is quicker than theirs," Norris said, referring to McLaren’s pace compared to Red Bull. He highlighted innovations like "mini DRS flaps" that have given the team an edge in certain races.

However, Norris knows the competition will remain fierce. "It’s just because that’s the game and the people we’re up against. So I’m working my heart out to try and make sure that happens, and he’s trying to make sure it doesn’t."

Ferrari vs Mercedes: Contrasting Design Approaches
As Formula 1 continues its technical evolution, teams like Ferrari and Mercedes have taken notably different design paths in 2024. Ferrari’s SF-23 features a slim, triangular airbox design that tapers into a flat vertical panel at the back, allowing for a tightly packaged rear bodywork. This design focuses on a lower centre of gravity and relies on airflow over the sidepods for aerodynamic efficiency.

Mercedes, on the other hand, has opted for a larger air inlet above the driver's head and intricate "shoulders" extending from the halo to guide airflow towards the rear of the car. This approach aims to channel airflow around the sidepods and through the rear suspension, enhancing the car’s diffuser performance.

A Battle of Aerodynamics
The battle between Ferrari’s lower centre of gravity and Mercedes’ focus on rear airflow will be one to watch throughout the season. Both teams are committed to optimizing their designs, but only time will tell which philosophy prevails. Ferrari’s continuation of their 2024 concept has already shown promise, but Mercedes’ emphasis on rear wing and sidepod efficiency could prove decisive.

Alpine’s A523 also follows a similar trend, with enlarged "shoulders" to guide hot air to the back of the car. The French outfit has maintained a bulkier airbox design, housing both engine cooling channels and a nearly horizontal central cooler.

In contrast, Ferrari’s SF-23 sticks with a very slim airbox, showcasing the varied approaches teams are taking as they seek every possible advantage in Formula 1’s highly competitive environment.

Ultimately, the 2024 season will continue to showcase the ingenuity of Formula 1 teams as they push the boundaries of design, striving for every ounce of performance on the grid.