F1 Singapore GP: FP2 Results & Standings - Verstappen Tops the Timesheet, Leclerc Struggles
The second practice session for the Singapore Grand Prix saw Max Verstappen set the fastest time, continuing his dominant form from FP1. The Red Bull driver's lap of 1:42.225 put him 0.427 seconds ahead of Sergio Perez, who placed second in the session. George Russell slotted into third, showing strong pace in the Mercedes.
However, the session wasn't without its drama. Charles Leclerc struggled with a technical issue, leaving him eighth in the standings and behind both Ferraris, with the team unable to rectify the problem before the session's end. This puts a question mark over Ferrari's race prospects as they look to close the gap to Red Bull in the Constructors' Championship.
Here's a breakdown of the top 10 from FP2:
| Pos | Driver | Team | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Max Verstappen | Red Bull Racing | 1:42.225 |
| 2 | Sergio Perez | Red Bull Racing | 1:42.652 |
| 3 | George Russell | Mercedes | 1:43.008 |
| 4 | Fernando Alonso | Alpine | 1:43.169 |
| 5 | Lando Norris | McLaren | 1:43.202 |
| 6 | Lewis Hamilton | Mercedes | 1:43.241 |
| 7 | Carlos Sainz | Ferrari | 1:43.383 |
| 8 | Charles Leclerc | Ferrari | 1:43.509 |
| 9 | Pierre Gasly | AlphaTauri | 1:43.669 |
| 10 | Esteban Ocon | Alpine | 1:43.696 |
Key Takeaways from FP2:
- Red Bull dominance: Verstappen's pace is a clear indication of Red Bull's strength around the Marina Bay Street Circuit. Their car seems well-suited to the challenging track layout and their rivals have their work cut out for them.
- Mercedes resurgence: Russell and Hamilton both performed well, suggesting Mercedes may have found some performance gains in Singapore. This is a positive sign for the team after a challenging season.
- Ferrari concerns: Leclerc's struggles are concerning, especially with the team's title aspirations. If the technical issue persists, Ferrari might find themselves playing catch-up in the race.
- Midfield battle: The fight for positions in the midfield is heating up, with teams like McLaren and Alpine showing impressive speed. This could lead to some exciting duels during the race.
The Singapore Grand Prix promises to be an exciting race with a potential for surprises. The teams will have to analyze the data from FP2 carefully and make the right strategy calls if they want to secure a podium finish.
