Singapore Grand Prix Aftermath - Formula 1

And just like that McLaren has put Red Bull in the distance, VCARB has put Daniel in the distance, and we have a 3 week break to wait for the smoke to clear.

Courtesy VCARB Racing

While it was a brilliant race for McLaren, for everyone else, it was a head scratching time. Let's look at the numbers:

1st Norris

2nd Verstappen 20 seconds behind

3rd Piastri 41 seconds behind

4th Russell 61 seconds behind

5th Leclerc 62 seconds behind

6th Hamilton 85 seconds behind

7th Sainz 96 seconds behind! That's basically on the cusp of being a full lap down, which is where every other driver ended up being aside from Magnussen and Albon who both had DNF.

It's staggering isn't it??? I mean, these are the Red Bull of 2023 type race finishes being 20+ seconds ahead of their nearest competitors. McLaren have their foots on the gas, heads down, and aiming for the end of season finish line. I don't see anyone catching them in the constructor's championship unless something really amiss happens. Although there is a 3 week break before Austin and the US Grand Prix, there is next to nothing left in the budgets for any of the teams to really come back with a full blown solution to reel the papayas back in is there? Most of the upgrades have been made, utilized, and have or have not worked.

Red Bull despite the race saving qualifying session by Verstappen, are still left on their heels. Ferrari is all over the place, and Mercedes suddenly can't figure out the performance from one day to the next over the course of the weekend. Will the 3 week break bring answers? It remains to be seen of course, and I suspect Mexico and Brazil will be true tests. For the constructors championship though, it looks like there is a new Sheriff in town.

Now to the sad, yet very much expected news of Danial Ricciardo's exit from not only VCARB racing team, but from Formula 1 as a driver. It was speculated all weekend, and basically all season that this could be Danny's last. Though I had the high hopes he could reclaim the magic of yesteryear and finish in the top 10, it just wasn't to be. Momentary sparkles, but a dim reality. That bright smile will be missed for sure, but who knows, maybe he will get offered some sort of gig as a guest commentator with Sky Sports.

A lot of people reflect on what could have been had he stayed with Red Bull, but really there is no sense in looking back that way. Life is about choices. Some good, some bad. We alter our courses thru decisions on a daily basis. It's what writes our story. And Danny's story in Formula 1 sure ain't bad:

32 Podiums

8 Wins

3 Poles

257 Grand Prix's

1,329 points scored

That's a hell of a resume for any driver. Thanks for all the memories Danny, I'm sure we will see you somewhere again.