F1 2024 Singapore GP FP2: Practice Session Highlights
The second practice session for the 2024 Singapore Grand Prix saw a dramatic shift in the pecking order, as Max Verstappen topped the timesheets for Red Bull, pushing Lewis Hamilton and George Russell of Mercedes down to second and third place respectively.
Mercedes Finds Pace on a Drying Track
After struggling in the first practice session, Mercedes made significant improvements in FP2, taking advantage of the drying track conditions. Hamilton and Russell looked particularly strong, with both drivers showcasing the improved performance of their W14 car on the challenging Marina Bay circuit.
Verstappen Dominates Despite Traffic
Despite navigating through heavy traffic in the later stages of the session, Verstappen managed to secure the fastest lap time. His dominance was evident throughout the session, showcasing the Red Bull's strength on the tight and twisty Singapore track.
Ferrari Struggles for Pace
Ferrari, on the other hand, faced a challenging FP2 session. Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz struggled to find the right setup, ending the session in 7th and 8th place respectively. Their lack of pace could be a concern heading into the qualifying session.
McLaren Makes Progress
The McLaren duo of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri showed good pace, finishing 4th and 5th respectively. They seemed to have found a decent set-up for the Singapore track, suggesting they could be competitive in the race.
Key Takeaways from FP2
- Mercedes' improved performance is a positive sign for the team, suggesting they could be a threat in the race.
- Red Bull's dominance in FP2 highlights their car's strength on the Marina Bay circuit.
- Ferrari's struggles are a concern for the team, as they need to improve their pace significantly to be competitive.
- McLaren's progress in FP2 is encouraging, and they could be a contender for strong results in the race.
What to Expect in Qualifying
With the teams having a better understanding of their cars' performance on the Singapore track, qualifying is likely to be highly competitive. Verstappen will be the favorite, but Hamilton, Russell, and the McLaren drivers are all capable of challenging for pole position.
The Singapore Grand Prix qualifying session will be crucial for determining the starting grid for the race, and it promises to be an exciting spectacle with high stakes. Keep an eye out for our post-qualifying analysis for a deeper dive into the session and the predictions for the race.
