JUST IN: Lando Norris offers brutal response to Lewis Hamilton and George Russell health…read more.
Lando Norris offers brutal response to Lewis Hamilton and George Russell health…read more.
Lando Norris has delivered a blunt reaction to news of Lewis Hamilton and George Russell suffering from health issues following the Singapore Grand Prix, which was held in extreme heat and humidity. The Mercedes drivers skipped their post-race media obligations due to what the team described as signs of heatstroke after the physically demanding race at the Marina Bay Circuit.
Hamilton, who started the race in third place, struggled throughout the 62 laps, eventually finishing in sixth after an unsteady performance. His teammate, George Russell, opted for an alternate strategy and came close to securing a podium spot, but ultimately placed fourth behind Oscar Piastri. Following the race, Mercedes issued a statement explaining the absence of both drivers from the mandatory media interviews. The statement read: “Unfortunately neither George or Lewis will be attending the media pen this evening as they recover from the exertions of this evening’s race.”
Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff later spoke to the press, confirming that both drivers were under medical care after the race. “They did not feel well, borderline heatstroke or something like that, but they have had water. They would not have been able to go to the media pen. There were no bad feelings or any annoyance, it is just that we had the doctors with them. But they are all good,” said Wolff, assuring that both Hamilton and Russell were recovering well.
However, Norris, who won the race after a commanding performance ahead of Max Verstappen, did not hold back in his response to Wolff’s comments, which seemed to suggest that the Mercedes drivers had endured more than others. The McLaren driver appeared unimpressed by the explanation, and his reaction was noticeably scathing. “Toto Wolff issues health update on Hamilton and Russell?” Norris exclaimed. “F***ing hell, it’s tough for everyone! Why do they think that they’ve… Everyone’s got heatstroke if they’ve got heatstroke.”
Norris’ frustration may stem from the grueling conditions all drivers faced during the race, with temperatures around 30 degrees Celsius, making it challenging for everyone on the grid. While the Mercedes drivers clearly struggled with the intense conditions, Norris was quick to point out that it wasn’t unique to them.
The British driver’s victory in Singapore marked an important step in the 2024 Formula 1 season, as he reduced Verstappen’s lead in the drivers’ championship standings to 52 points. The previously unchallenged title race now appears to be wide open with six Grands Prix remaining in the season. Norris’ comments also highlight his determination as the season heads towards its climax, as he remains focused on the competitive aspect of racing despite the harsh conditions.
In his post-race debrief, Norris praised the performance of his McLaren car, which allowed him to maintain control throughout the race. He acknowledged that there were some tense moments but insisted he was confident in his car’s ability to handle the challenges posed by the circuit. “It was an amazing race,” Norris said. “A few too many close calls. I had a couple of moments in the middle but I was well in control otherwise. The car was mega so I could push and we were flying the whole race.”
Unlike Mercedes, Norris made no mention of the challenging weather conditions, opting instead to focus on his dominant performance and the progress McLaren has made this season. His victory, coupled with Verstappen finishing behind him, has injected fresh excitement into the championship battle.
While the Singapore Grand Prix took its toll on some drivers, particularly Hamilton and Russell, Norris’ triumph shows that some were better able to cope with the intense heat and pressure. The coming races will reveal whether Mercedes can bounce back from the physical challenges of the Singapore race and whether Norris can continue his charge toward the title in the remaining Grands Prix.
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