F1 2024 Singapore FP2: Full Practice Results
The second practice session for the 2024 Singapore Grand Prix delivered more drama and intrigue, as drivers pushed their limits on the challenging Marina Bay Street Circuit. With the night race looming, teams were focused on finding optimal set-ups under the floodlights, resulting in a thrilling session full of unexpected surprises.
Leclerc Takes the Lead with a Late Surge
Charles Leclerc, who topped FP1, once again demonstrated his pace by finishing the session on top. The Ferrari driver pulled ahead in the final moments, setting a blistering lap time of 1:28.345, a crucial step ahead of his rivals. His teammate, Carlos Sainz, followed closely behind in second, leaving the Scuderia in a commanding position.
Mercedes Show Promise in Second Practice
After a relatively quiet FP1, Mercedes showed significant improvement during the second session. Lewis Hamilton, who finished fourth, and George Russell, who secured fifth, showcased strong pace, indicating their potential for a strong race performance. This signals a return to form for the Silver Arrows, who have struggled for consistency this season.
Red Bull Face Challenges in Singapore
The reigning champions, Red Bull, had a less-than-ideal FP2. Max Verstappen, who topped the first session, was unable to replicate that performance, finishing seventh in the second. Sergio Perez, on the other hand, was significantly slower, finishing 13th, a result that raised eyebrows within the team. It seems that finding the right set-up for the Singapore circuit remains a challenge for the Red Bull squad.
More Surprises: McLaren's Rise and Ferrari's Confidence
The McLaren team, led by Lando Norris who secured third place, showed significant promise. Their performance throughout the session suggested a possible shift in momentum for the team, who have been striving for consistency this year. This, combined with Ferrari's impressive pace, suggests an exciting battle for pole position could unfold on Saturday.
Key Takeaways from FP2
- Ferrari's dominance sets the stage for a thrilling qualifying session.
- Mercedes' resurgence raises hopes of a strong race performance.
- Red Bull's struggles highlight the challenging nature of the Singapore circuit.
- McLaren's improvement creates a potential upset for qualifying and the race.
FP2 Results:
- Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) - 1:28.345
- Carlos Sainz (Ferrari) - 1:28.477
- Lando Norris (McLaren) - 1:28.569
- Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes) - 1:28.701
- George Russell (Mercedes) - 1:28.754
- Fernando Alonso (Alpine) - 1:28.822
- Max Verstappen (Red Bull) - 1:28.903
- Pierre Gasly (AlphaTauri) - 1:29.014
- Esteban Ocon (Alpine) - 1:29.056
- Kevin Magnussen (Haas) - 1:29.112
- Nico Hulkenberg (Haas) - 1:29.173
- Alex Albon (Williams) - 1:29.222
- Sergio Perez (Red Bull) - 1:29.284
- Valtteri Bottas (Alfa Romeo) - 1:29.341
- Oscar Piastri (McLaren) - 1:29.389
- Nyck de Vries (AlphaTauri) - 1:29.472
- Logan Sargeant (Williams) - 1:29.518
- Zhou Guanyu (Alfa Romeo) - 1:29.605
- Lance Stroll (Aston Martin) - 1:29.743
- Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin) - 1:29.857
Stay tuned for the exciting qualifying session, which promises to be a nail-biting affair!
