F1 Singapore GP 2024: Free Practice 2 Standings - Verstappen Sets the Pace
The second free practice session for the 2024 Singapore Grand Prix saw Max Verstappen top the timesheets, setting the pace in a dominant display for Red Bull. The session was marked by several red flags, including a late one that halted proceedings with just minutes remaining, leading to a truncated final run for most drivers.
Verstappen clocked a fastest lap of 1:29.560, edging out Lewis Hamilton by just 0.095 seconds. The two drivers were separated by a mere 0.161 seconds at the top of the leaderboard, highlighting the intense battle for supremacy in Singapore.
Charles Leclerc finished third, over half a second behind Verstappen. The Ferrari driver, who will be looking to capitalize on the street circuit’s challenges, will be keen to close the gap in qualifying and the race.
George Russell placed fourth, demonstrating Mercedes’ potential for a strong weekend, while Fernando Alonso rounded out the top five for Aston Martin.
Key Takeaways from FP2:
- Red Bull’s Pace: Verstappen's dominance in FP2 underlines Red Bull's early advantage in Singapore. The team’s car seems well suited to the challenging track, with the Dutchman consistently finding speed throughout the session.
- Mercedes’ Strong Showing: Mercedes displayed a notable improvement compared to FP1, with both drivers securing top-five positions. Their performance bodes well for a strong qualifying and race, potentially challenging for the podium.
- Ferrari’s Consistency: Leclerc’s third-place finish in FP2, coupled with his impressive performance in FP1, indicates Ferrari’s competitiveness in Singapore. The team will be hoping to convert their strong practice pace into a podium finish on Sunday.
- McLaren's Struggles: Both McLaren drivers struggled to find pace in FP2. Lando Norris, in particular, endured a difficult session, finding himself down in 14th place. The team needs to improve significantly if they want to challenge for points.
Red Flags and Incidents:
The session was disrupted by several red flags, including one triggered by Oscar Piastri who went off track at Turn 10. This incident prevented several drivers from completing their final timed laps, impacting their overall position on the timesheets.
Looking Ahead:
The second practice session in Singapore provided valuable insights into the teams’ strengths and weaknesses. The close competition between Red Bull, Mercedes, and Ferrari sets the stage for an exciting qualifying session. The drivers will be looking to fine-tune their setups and optimize their performance in the final practice session, hoping to secure a prime starting position for Sunday's race.
Full Free Practice 2 Results:
- Max Verstappen (Red Bull) - 1:29.560
- Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes) - 1:29.655
- Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) - 1:30.126
- George Russell (Mercedes) - 1:30.255
- Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin) - 1:30.482
- Sergio Perez (Red Bull) - 1:30.602
- Esteban Ocon (Alpine) - 1:30.793
- Lando Norris (McLaren) - 1:30.839
- Pierre Gasly (Alpine) - 1:30.906
- Nico Hulkenberg (Haas) - 1:31.038
Stay tuned for the crucial qualifying session, where the grid positions for the Singapore Grand Prix will be determined. The race is set to take place on Sunday, September 23rd.
