F1 Singapore GP FP2: Practice Session Results
The second practice session for the Singapore Grand Prix saw teams ramp up their efforts, testing race setups and trying different tire compounds under the Marina Bay Street Circuit's unforgiving conditions. While the session wasn't without its incidents, it provided plenty of insights into potential race strategies and the pecking order heading into qualifying.
Ferrari Leads the Way
Charles Leclerc topped the timesheets with a blistering lap of 1:42.228, putting the Ferrari SF-23 in a dominant position. The Monegasque driver, however, did experience a red flag situation when he spun at Turn 10, narrowly avoiding contact with the wall. This incident briefly disrupted the flow of the session but ultimately didn't affect his final placing.
Sergio Perez followed close behind in second place, with a best time of 1:42.431. The Red Bull driver was consistently strong throughout the session and will be a serious contender for pole position on Saturday.
Max Verstappen, Perez's teammate and current championship leader, found himself in a difficult position. He finished the session in sixth place with a time of 1:43.249, struggling to find a good balance on his car and experiencing some mechanical issues.
Lewis Hamilton continued Mercedes's upward trajectory, finishing third with a time of 1:42.982. This encouraging performance puts the team in a good position heading into qualifying, particularly considering their struggles in recent races.
Other Notable Performances
George Russell, Hamilton's teammate, also had a solid session, finishing fifth with a time of 1:43.059. The other notable performance came from Fernando Alonso, who finished fourth with a time of 1:42.999.
Key Takeaways
- Ferrari appears to be in a strong position heading into qualifying, with Leclerc setting the pace in FP2.
- Red Bull's Verstappen may face some challenges in qualifying, struggling to find the right balance in his car.
- Mercedes seems to be making progress, with Hamilton finishing third and Russell fifth.
- Alonso's strong performance in FP2 suggests that Alpine may be a surprise contender for qualifying and the race.
Focus Shifts to Qualifying
The focus now shifts to qualifying on Saturday, where drivers will be looking to secure their starting positions for the Singapore Grand Prix. With the tight nature of the Marina Bay Street Circuit, qualifying will be crucial for determining the outcome of the race.
Stay tuned for more updates as we head towards qualifying and the Singapore Grand Prix.
