F1 Free Practice 2 Results: Singapore 2024 - Verstappen Tops the Timesheet Under the Lights
The Marina Bay Street Circuit came alive under the Singapore night sky as Formula 1 drivers took to the track for the second free practice session of the Singapore Grand Prix. Max Verstappen continued his dominant form, topping the timesheet with a 1:42.551, edging out teammate Sergio Perez by just over a tenth of a second.
Verstappen Sets the Pace
Red Bull Racing proved their dominance once again, with both Verstappen and Perez showcasing impressive pace. Verstappen, in particular, seemed comfortable on the tight and challenging circuit, setting the benchmark early on. While Perez briefly held P1, the Dutchman ultimately reclaimed the top spot, setting the fastest lap in the closing stages of the session.
Ferrari Struggles to Match Red Bull's Pace
Ferrari, on the other hand, struggled to keep pace with the Red Bulls. Charles Leclerc managed to secure a respectable third place, but teammate Carlos Sainz Jr. finished only sixth, highlighting the team's need to improve overnight. The Italian team seemed to be battling with tyre degradation, particularly on the harder compounds.
Mercedes Finding Their Rhythm
Mercedes, after a challenging opening session, showed signs of improvement in FP2. Lewis Hamilton, in particular, looked strong, finishing fourth, ahead of McLaren's Lando Norris. George Russell also performed well, placing seventh, indicating the team's progress in their pursuit of catching up with the frontrunners.
Other Notable Performances
The session saw some other notable performances. Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin) continued his strong showing from FP1, finishing eighth, ahead of teammate Lance Stroll. Pierre Gasly (AlphaTauri) enjoyed a solid session, placing tenth, while Nico Hulkenberg (Haas) secured a respectable ninth place.
Key Takeaways from FP2
- Red Bull dominance continues: Verstappen's strong performance solidified Red Bull's position as the team to beat in Singapore.
- Ferrari struggles for pace: The Italian team face a challenging uphill battle if they want to compete with Red Bull.
- Mercedes showing signs of improvement: Hamilton's performance in FP2 suggests that Mercedes is finding their footing on the Singapore circuit.
What to Expect in the Remaining Sessions
The remaining practice session and qualifying will likely provide more insight into the true pecking order in Singapore. Teams will focus on refining their setup and finding the optimal strategy for the race. With the close competition among the top teams, the qualifying session promises to be an exciting affair. The pressure will be on Ferrari and Mercedes to close the gap to Red Bull, while the midfield battle for grid positions is expected to be fierce. Stay tuned for more updates and analysis as the Singapore Grand Prix unfolds.
