2024 Singapore Grand Prix - Friday Practice Summary: Verstappen Dominates, Ferrari Struggles
The Singapore Grand Prix kicked off with a thrilling Friday practice session, setting the stage for a weekend of intense racing under the Marina Bay Street Circuit's floodlights.
Verstappen Shows Early Dominance
Max Verstappen, the reigning world champion, continued his impressive form, topping both practice sessions. He showcased his Red Bull's raw speed, particularly in the second session, where he set a blistering lap time of 1:28.345. This early dominance solidified his position as a strong contender for pole position and ultimately, the race win.
Ferrari Struggles for Pace
Ferrari, on the other hand, faced a frustrating Friday. Both Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz struggled to find pace, consistently trailing behind the frontrunners. Leclerc, who has shown promise in Singapore in the past, ended the day in 6th, while Sainz finished a disappointing 10th.
McLaren Emerges as a Surprise Contender
McLaren emerged as a surprising contender, with Lando Norris consistently finishing in the top 3 in both sessions. His performance, alongside teammate Oscar Piastri, who finished 5th in the second session, suggests that McLaren could be a real threat in qualifying and the race.
Notable Moments
- Mercedes Struggles: Lewis Hamilton and George Russell struggled with their Mercedes, finishing outside the top 10 in both sessions. The team, which has shown promise in recent races, seems to be struggling to find the optimal set-up for the Marina Bay circuit.
- Red Bull's Pace: Despite the dominance, Verstappen and teammate Sergio Perez did not participate in the long-run simulations. This indicates that the team might have focused on finding the optimal qualifying pace, suggesting they are confident in their car's performance in the race.
- Rain Threat: The weather played a role throughout the day, with a slight drizzle appearing in the second session. This potential for rain adds another element of uncertainty for the upcoming qualifying session.
Looking Ahead
The Friday practice sessions provided a glimpse into the competitive landscape for the Singapore Grand Prix. While Verstappen and Red Bull look strong, the other teams are still battling for positions. Saturday's qualifying session will be crucial to determining the starting grid and potential for race wins. With Ferrari struggling and McLaren performing well, the Singapore Grand Prix promises to be a highly unpredictable and exciting event.
