P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Sainz says he and Norris 'should buy each other drinks' after Singapore 1-2
Carlos Sainz had a strong start to the race, leading from pole position. However, on lap 43, a virtual safety car allowed Mercedes to put on new tires, making them a threat to Sainz and the leaders. George Russell and Lewis Hamilton quickly overtook Charles Leclerc to challenge Sainz for the lead. To help defend against the Mercedes drivers, Sainz deliberately slowed down to keep his teammate Lando Norris within one second of his Ferrari, giving Norris the benefit of DRS. This decision not only secured Sainz’s victory but also helped Norris hold onto second place.
After the race, Sainz expressed gratitude to Norris for his role in their success and praised their strong friendship as former McLaren teammates. This podium finish at the Singapore Grand Prix was only the second time Sainz and Norris have shared the podium and the first in a 1-2 finish.
When asked if it was his team who advised the winning tactic, Sainz revealed that it was his own intuition that led him to slow down and give Norris DRS. He knew how difficult it was to overtake at the track and wanted to ensure Norris could withstand the challenge from Russell and Hamilton.
This victory marks Sainz’s second career win and makes him the only non-Red Bull driver to win a race in the 2023 season so far, as Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez struggled with pace throughout the weekend.
Source: Crash
