F1 Fast Five: Drivers plan showdown over Verstappen's penalty, Why teams should not exploit Fastest Lap rule, and other big updates

Drivers plan showdown over Verstappen's penalty

Formula One drivers will meet to decide if they should challenge FIA president Mohammed ben Sulayem after Max Verstappen got a community service order for swearing. Verstappen was upset about the decision and said it might make him leave the sport. Lewis Hamilton and Lando Norris both said the penalty wasn’t fair, while Alex Wurz, head of the drivers' group, said they would talk about it before speaking to the FIA. 

Click here to read the full article at telegraph.co.uk

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Why teams should not exploit Fastest Lap rule

Ricciardo's late fastest lap in Singapore reignited the debate over the bonus point for fastest lap, a rule reintroduced in 2019. This rule was meant to encourage risky driving but often rewards drivers based on strategy rather than skill. It allows situations where a driver can take points from championship contenders without racing them directly, which can distort championship outcomes. Ultimately, the rule feels arbitrary and trivial, suggesting it should be removed to preserve the integrity of the sport.

Click here to read the full article by Edd Straw (the-race.com)

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Albon reflects on Colapinto's first corner maneuver

Alex Albon was upset with Franco Colapinto after the start of the Singapore Grand Prix, calling his move a "divebomb." Later, after watching the video, Albon realized the problem was more about everyone running out of space, not just Colapinto's fault. Colapinto said he left enough room and didn't push anyone off track. Albon had to retire from the race because of a cooling issue, while Colapinto finished 11th and felt his strategy could have been better.

Click here to read the full article by Jonathan Noble (motorsport.com)

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Norris falls short despite dominant performance

Motorsport, especially Formula 1, demands unmatched endurance from its drivers, who are in constant action throughout the race. Unlike other sports, where players enjoy breaks, F1 drivers maintain focus for over two hours, navigating up to 1,000 corners without respite. The Singapore Grand Prix exemplifies this challenge, as it combines extreme heat and a demanding layout, making it the toughest test of endurance in the season. Lando Norris led the race, showing his skill and concentration, and he won, while Max Verstappen and Oscar Piastri had a harder time keeping up.

Click here to read the full article by Will Wood (racefans.net)

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Ricciardo's emotional farewell

Daniel Ricciardo left the paddock, possibly for the last time as an F1 driver. The night after the 2024 Singapore GP was emotional as everyone said their goodbyes. There hasn’t been an official announcement about his future in F1 or whether Liam Lawson will take his place, but rumors suggest that Singapore might have been Ricciardo's final race.