F1 2024 Singapore GP: Free Practice 2 Times - Verstappen Leads, Perez Struggles
The second free practice session for the 2024 Singapore Grand Prix delivered a dramatic display of performance, with Max Verstappen topping the timesheets and Sergio Perez facing a tough outing.
Verstappen Dominates, Perez Lags
Red Bull's Max Verstappen, fresh off his victory at the Italian Grand Prix, asserted his dominance in FP2, posting the fastest time of 1:28.795. He showcased a strong pace throughout the session, consistently pushing himself and his RB19 to the limit.
Sergio Perez, his teammate, faced a contrasting experience. He struggled for grip throughout the session, ending up in a disappointing 10th position. This early setback raises concerns about his race prospects, particularly as he faces a grid penalty for changing his gearbox.
Ferrari and McLaren Show Promise
Ferrari showed signs of renewed vigor in Singapore, with Charles Leclerc securing a strong second place behind Verstappen. His teammate, Carlos Sainz Jr., finished in fifth, suggesting a competitive weekend ahead for the Scuderia.
McLaren, with their upgraded MCL60, also made a strong impression. Lando Norris finished third, a promising indication of their potential to challenge for podiums. Oscar Piastri, however, struggled to match his teammate's pace and finished in ninth.
Hamilton Struggles with Set-up
Lewis Hamilton, seeking a strong performance in his final season with Mercedes, faced a challenging FP2 session. He finished in 12th place, suggesting that the team still has work to do to find a competitive set-up for the Singapore street circuit.
Focus on Qualifying
The Singapore GP is known for its tight and unforgiving track, making qualifying crucial. The drivers will focus on fine-tuning their setups and pushing their limits in the final practice session before the qualifying showdown.
Key Takeaways from FP2:
- Max Verstappen is the early favorite, showing dominant pace.
- Sergio Perez faces a challenging start to the weekend.
- Ferrari and McLaren look strong, challenging Red Bull for the lead.
- Lewis Hamilton still needs to find a competitive set-up.
The Singapore Grand Prix promises to be an exciting and unpredictable race. With the drivers vying for every inch of track and the qualifying battle shaping up to be intense, the weekend promises to be full of thrills. Stay tuned for more updates as the action unfolds.
