McLaren team boss Andrea Stella has raised concerns about the collaboration between Red Bull and sister team RB after a "peculiar" incident during the Singapore Grand Prix. The controversy arose when Daniel Ricciardo, in what could be his final Formula 1 race, secured the fastest lap near the end of the race, which cost McLaren's Lando Norris an extra point. Despite finishing outside the top 10, Ricciardo's swift lap posed a threat as Norris endeavors to close the 52-point gap to championship leader Max Verstappen.

Stella emphasized the need for a thorough examination of the connection between Red Bull and RB, hinting at a potential imbalance that could impact the Championship standings. Expressing disappointment over the situation, Stella acknowledged that while Red Bull set the fastest lap, there could be broader implications for the integrity of the sport. The McLaren team principal called for increased autonomy among teams to avoid unjust interference in the Constructors' Championship, leading to a plea for a reevaluation of competitive dynamics within Formula 1.

Although acknowledging the strategic move by Red Bull and RB as a "smart play," Norris highlighted the strategic implications of Ricciardo’s achievement, describing it as a logical decision by the teams. Red Bull team principal Christian Horner refrained from delving into specifics, indicating that further clarity might be provided by RB. Verstappen's teammate, Sergio Perez, disclosed that the team had contemplated pitting him for a potential fastest lap attempt but ultimately stayed the course in the race.