P1racenews AI automatic summary:
When Daniel Ricciardo made his late third pitstop for soft tyres, what may turn out to be his final race in Formula 1 already a lost cause, it was patently obvious to the watching world this was being done to try to aid Max Verstappen’s title defence – but should such a thing be allowed?
When Daniel Ricciardo made his late third pitstop for soft tires in the Singapore Grand Prix, it became clear that it was to aid Max Verstappen’s title defense, highlighting the close ties between Red Bull and its sister team, Red Bull Racing (RB). This move raised questions about sporting ethics, with Red Bull essentially acting as a support for Verstappen’s championship bid. McLaren also faced scrutiny for its ‘mini-DRS’ low-drag bendy rear wing, drawing attention to the collaboration between A/B teams within the same entity. While McLaren’s team principal, Andrea Stella, expressed surprise at Red Bull’s focus on securing the fastest lap, he ultimately emphasized the importance of individual team autonomy in F1. The issue of teams potentially breaching the FIA’s code by working together in a coalition-like manner underscores the need for clearer regulations in Formula 1. In the competitive world of F1, the priority often lies in maximizing advantages within the rules to achieve success, even if it raises ethical concerns.
