Formula 1: Lando Norris takes another seven points off Max Verstappen’s lead with victory in Singapore Grand Prix

Lando Norris continues to reduce Max Verstappen’s lead in the standings.

Norris sliced ​​another seven points off Verstappen’s lead with a commanding victory at the Singapore Grand Prix on Sunday. Leading from pole, Norris held on to the lead as he won by almost 30 seconds. After controlling his pace in the opening laps, Norris distanced Verstappen and the rest of the field to make the race a sleep-inducing one.

Verstappen finished second ahead of Norris’ McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri. Verstappen went into the race with a 59-point lead over Norris and that lead is now 52 points with six races to go.

Seven points per race over six races is not enough for Norris to catch Verstappen. He needs some bad luck from the reigning three-time world champion and a flawless run to the finish. But the current state of affairs in the points race is also further evidence that Verstappen will not win the title as he did in 2022 and 2023.

Red Bull are now also significant underdogs for the constructors’ title. McLaren took a 20-point lead in Azerbaijan a week ago and extended that lead in Singapore. Verstappen’s team-mate Sergio Perez finished 10th, while McLaren added 21 points to its lead thanks to Perez’s struggles.