Glimpse of F1 without Red Bull domination - 2023 Singapore GP Review

OMG! It actually happened, Red Bull Racing and Max Verstappen's record-breaking race-winning streak ended in Singapore. Singapore remains Verstappen and Red Bull Racing's unconquered frontier for yet another year.

Remember 1988 and McLaren's race-winning streak then? Ferrari broke the streak back then. In 2023, it's Ferrari that broke Red Bull-Verstappen's race winning streak. Above all else, the 2023 Singapore Grand Prix was an absolute thriller.

Four cars were battling for the race win in the last 4 laps of the race. When last did we see that in recent times? 

In this week's episode of the Inside Line F1 Podcast, Soumil Arora and Kunal Shah dissect the 2023 Singapore Grand Prix. How did Carlos Sainz win this race for Ferrari? We explain his 'smooth operation'. Just why was Carlos Sainz driving so slow in the first half of the race? 

Why did Red Bull Racing have a sub-standard car in Singapore. How did McLaren score yet another podium with Lando Norris? Why did Mercedes pit George Russell and Lewis Hamilton under the VSC (courtesy: Esteban Ocon)?

Helmets off to Liam Lawson and Oscar Piastri for scoring points on their Singapore debut. And of course, an ode to the fantastic qualifying session from Saturday, we discuss that, too. We love Singapore, don't you, too?

Tune in!

(Season 2023, Episode 49)

Follow our hosts on Twitter: Soumil Arora and Kunal Shah

Image courtesy: Ferrari

**Introduction**

* The Inside Line F1 Podcast hosts, Soumil Arora and Kunal Shah, express their excitement over Carlos Sainz's first Grand Prix win in Singapore, ending Red Bull Racing and Max Verstappen's winning streak.
* The 2023 Singapore Grand Prix is hailed as an absolute thriller with four cars battling for the win in the final laps.

**Race Highlights**

* Sainz's victory is attributed to his intelligent race strategy, including conserving tires and bunching up the field to prevent rivals from pitting and undercutting him.
* Ferrari's split strategies for Sainz and Charles Leclerc on race start tires paid off, allowing Sainz to gain an advantage and protect his position.
* Red Bull Racing's subpar performance in Singapore is attributed to a softer suspension setup that compromised the car's drivability and front grip.

**Qualifying Session**

* Sainz's pole position is praised for his intelligent approach, attacking the first sector to secure tires for the crucial third sector.
* The shorter corner layout of the Singapore circuit favors Ferrari's car, which struggles on longer, sweeping corners.

**Other Notable Moments**

* McLaren's Lando Norris secures a podium finish, scoring his third of the season, despite significant upgrades to his car.
* Mercedes' George Russell and Lewis Hamilton pit under the Virtual Safety Car, a strategic move that ultimately proves unsuccessful.
* Rookies Liam Lawson and Oscar Piastri impress with points-scoring finishes on their Singapore debuts.

**Overall Takeaway**

* The Singapore Grand Prix showcases the excitement and unpredictability of Formula One racing without Red Bull Racing's dominance.
* The race highlights the importance of strategy, composure, and driver skill in achieving success in Formula One. **2023 Singapore Grand Prix: An Exciting Race with Four Cars Battling for Victory**

The 2023 Singapore Grand Prix was a thrilling race that saw four cars battling for victory in the final laps. Carlos Sainz of Ferrari ultimately took the checkered flag, marking the end of Red Bull Racing and Max Verstappen's record-breaking race-winning streak.

**Key Points:**

- Ferrari's Carlos Sainz won the race, breaking Red Bull's winning streak.
- Sainz's victory was a result of his "smooth operation" and strategic driving.
- Red Bull's subpar performance in Singapore raised questions about their car's competitiveness.
- McLaren's Lando Norris scored another podium finish, highlighting the team's late-season recovery.
- Mercedes' decision to pit George Russell and Lewis Hamilton under the VSC was a strategic gamble.
- Liam Lawson and Oscar Piastri made impressive debuts, scoring points in their first Singapore Grand Prix.
- The qualifying session on Saturday was highly competitive, showcasing the drivers' skills.

**Detailed Summary:**

The 2023 Singapore Grand Prix was an exhilarating race that kept fans on the edge of their seats until the very end. Carlos Sainz's victory was a testament to his strategic driving and the Ferrari team's well-executed race plan. The race also marked the end of Red Bull's dominant run, raising questions about their car's performance on certain tracks.

McLaren's Lando Norris continued his impressive form, scoring another podium finish and solidifying his position as a contender for second place in the Constructors' Championship. Mercedes' decision to pit George Russell and Lewis Hamilton under the VSC was a strategic gamble that ultimately paid off, allowing them to finish on the podium.

The Singapore Grand Prix also saw the impressive debuts of Liam Lawson and Oscar Piastri, who both scored points in their first race on the Marina Bay Street Circuit. The qualifying session on Saturday was equally exciting, with drivers pushing their cars to the limit in pursuit of the best grid positions.

Overall, the 2023 Singapore Grand Prix was a thrilling race that showcased the best of Formula One racing. The unpredictable nature of the sport and the intense competition among the teams made for a captivating spectacle that left fans wanting more.