Singapore GP - The Best F1 Race of 2023
Let me first get it out of the way – even if you're a Red Bull fan, you've got to admit that the 2023 Singapore Grand Prix was one of the best races of the year. The winner remained a mystery right up until the final lap.
What a Race?
The 2023 Singapore Grand Prix, held on 17 September 2023 at the Marina Bay Street Circuit, was a remarkable race that stood out for several reasons.
Carlos Sainz, starting from pole position, managed to clinch his second career victory in Formula 1 in a race marked by intense competition and a dramatic conclusion. Sainz's performance was exceptional as he effectively handled the race from the start, maintaining his lead even after a Safety Car restart. This victory was significant as it made Sainz the first non-Red Bull winner in 2023, breaking Max Verstappen's 10-race winning streak.
The race was particularly notable for its nail-biting finale. Mercedes' George Russell, who was in a strong position at P3 chasing Lando Norris, unfortunately crashed out on the final lap at Turn 10. This incident not only ended his race prematurely but also allowed Lewis Hamilton to secure the third position. Lando Norris, showed a strong performance, finished in second place, adding to the race's overall excitement.
Mercedes adopted an aggressive strategy during a Virtual Safety Car on lap 43, both Hamilton and Russell switched to medium tyres, aiming to regain lost ground and contend for the lead. This bold move saw them charging towards the front, with Russell nearly overtaking Norris. Despite not securing a win, Mercedes' approach highlighted the strategic depth of Formula 1 and added an extra layer of excitement to the race.
A Game of Strategy and Skill
One of the most memorable moments for me was Carlos Sainz's clever use of race tactics. On the team radio, he mentioned that he was deliberately keeping Lando Norris within a one-second gap to give Norris the benefit of DRS. It was a strategic move to make it harder for George Russell to attempt an overtake. Sainz's trick turned out to be a strategy masterclass (Something Ferrari should learn 🙂)
Despite the intense competition, there was also a moment of heartbreak. George Russell, pushing hard in P3 and chasing Norris, met with misfortune on the final lap. His crash at Turn 10 was a jarring end to what had been a strong performance. It was hard not to feel sorry for Russell – you could sense his heartbreak, a reminder of how quickly fortunes can change in this sport.
The drama, the strategy, and the sheer unpredictability of the race encapsulated what Formula 1 is all about. This wasn't just another race; it was a showcase of mental focus, technical skill, and a bit of luck – elements that all came together to create a truly unforgettable spectacle.
What Happened to RedBull?
In the 2023 Singapore Grand Prix, Max Verstappen faced several challenges that prevented him from continuing his winning streak. Starting from P11 due to a surprising outcome in qualifying, where both Red Bull cars struggled and were eliminated in Q2, Verstappen had a less than ideal starting position on the challenging street circuit. Both he and his teammate, Sergio Perez, opted for an alternate strategy, starting the race on hard tyres before switching to mediums. Despite this, they couldn't challenge for a podium finish, with Verstappen finishing just behind Charles Leclerc in fifth place.
Verstappen also noted that the timing of the Safety Car interventions, for separate incidents involving Logan Sargeant and Esteban Ocon, didn't work in his favour. He expressed that these interventions came at inopportune moments, impacting his race strategy.
