2024 Singapore Grand Prix: Friday Practice Times
The Singapore Grand Prix is always a thrilling event, and the 2024 edition is shaping up to be no different. The first day of practice saw plenty of action and some surprising times, setting the stage for an exciting qualifying session and race.
FP1: Verstappen on Top, but Not Without Challenges
Max Verstappen topped the timesheet in FP1, but it wasn't a smooth session for the reigning champion. He encountered some gearbox issues, which limited his running time. The Red Bull driver still managed to set a best time of 1:44.676, ahead of Lewis Hamilton (1:45.004) and George Russell (1:45.112).
Ferrari showed strong pace early on with Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz Jr. both in the top five. However, they faded slightly towards the end of the session, leaving them in fourth and fifth place respectively.
Alpine continued their impressive form from previous races, with Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly comfortably in the top ten.
FP2: Verstappen Dominates, Ferrari Struggles
The second practice session saw Verstappen further solidify his dominance, setting the fastest time of 1:42.739. He was over half a second ahead of his closest competitor, Fernando Alonso, who finished second for Aston Martin.
The Ferraris struggled in FP2, failing to break into the top five. Leclerc finished sixth, while Sainz Jr. languished in tenth place. This suggests they have work to do overnight to close the gap to Red Bull.
McLaren also enjoyed a strong FP2, with Lando Norris finishing third and Oscar Piastri in seventh. This is a promising sign for the team who are looking to close the gap to the top teams.
Key Takeaways From Friday Practice:
- Red Bull remains the team to beat: Verstappen's dominant performance in both sessions signals that Red Bull is still the clear favorite for the race.
- Ferrari needs to improve: The Scuderia will need to find some performance overnight if they want to challenge Red Bull for victory.
- Alpine and McLaren showing strength: The fight for the midfield is tightening, with both Alpine and McLaren showing impressive pace on Friday.
With qualifying on Saturday, the fight for pole position is sure to be intense. Will Verstappen continue his dominance, or will someone else emerge to challenge the reigning champion? The Singapore Grand Prix is set to be a thrilling weekend of racing, and fans are in for a treat.
