F1 Singapore GP: Practice Results (Friday)
The Singapore Grand Prix got underway on Friday with two practice sessions, providing a first look at the drivers' performance on the Marina Bay Street Circuit.
FP1 saw Charles Leclerc leading the way for Ferrari, setting the fastest time of 1:42.591. The Monegasque driver was closely followed by Sergio Perez in the Red Bull, who finished just 0.074 seconds behind.
Lewis Hamilton was the fastest Mercedes driver, finishing in third position, while his teammate George Russell ended up in sixth.
FP2 was a much more exciting affair, with Max Verstappen claiming the top spot for Red Bull with a time of 1:41.984. This session saw a number of drivers facing challenges. Lando Norris in particular had a tough time, spinning his McLaren early on.
Here are the key takeaways from Friday's practice:
Ferrari Strong Out of the Gate
Ferrari looked strong in FP1 with Leclerc setting the pace. They demonstrated impressive pace and will likely be a contender for pole position and victory.
Red Bull Showed Their Potential
Max Verstappen dominated FP2 with a commanding performance. Red Bull are certainly the favorites for the race, with their car proving to be very competitive on the Marina Bay circuit.
Mercedes Struggle to Keep Up
The Mercedes team has yet to find the same level of performance as the frontrunners. Hamilton's third place in FP1 was encouraging, but their overall pace still seems to be lacking.
Several Drivers Faced Challenges
Several drivers, including Norris, experienced difficult sessions. This suggests the challenging nature of the track and the potential for drama during qualifying and the race.
Looking ahead to Saturday, the qualifying session will be crucial for determining the starting grid for Sunday's race. With the track's tight corners and high humidity, expect plenty of action and surprises as the drivers fight for pole position.
Stay tuned for our analysis of the qualifying session and the Singapore Grand Prix race itself!
