Norris Sets the Pace in Singapore FP2: McLaren Dominates as Verstappen Struggles
Singapore, September 15, 2023 - Lando Norris set the pace in a thrilling second practice session for the Singapore Grand Prix, leading a McLaren one-two as Max Verstappen encountered a frustrating session hampered by gearbox issues.
McLaren's Strong Showing:
Norris, who ended the day with a 1:29.242 lap time, consistently topped the timesheets throughout the session. His teammate, Oscar Piastri, followed closely behind, finishing second with a time just 0.153 seconds behind Norris. This impressive performance signals a strong challenge from McLaren in Singapore, where they have historically struggled.
Verstappen's Woes:
Max Verstappen, who currently leads the championship standings, had a far less positive session. He experienced gearbox issues that limited his running and forced him to settle for a disappointing seventh place. His teammate, Sergio Perez, also faced issues, ultimately finishing 10th. This setback could prove crucial for Red Bull's dominance, as they will need to make significant improvements ahead of qualifying.
Ferrari's Recovery:
Ferrari showed a significant improvement from their struggles in the first practice session. Charles Leclerc finished third, 0.365 seconds off Norris' pace. His teammate, Carlos Sainz, was close behind in fourth, demonstrating a strong resurgence for the Scuderia in Singapore.
Hamilton's Solid Performance:
Lewis Hamilton, aiming for his first win in Singapore, showcased a solid performance, finishing fifth ahead of George Russell. Both Mercedes drivers appear to be in contention for a strong result in the race, but they face a tough battle against the dominant McLaren duo.
Other Notable Performances:
Alex Albon, driving for Williams, was a surprise contender, securing sixth place. The rest of the grid saw a mix of performance, with AlphaTauri and Aston Martin struggling to match the pace set by the leading teams.
What to Expect in Qualifying:
With the drivers facing a challenging track layout and the intense heat and humidity of Singapore, qualifying promises to be a thrilling spectacle. While McLaren appears to have the upper hand, Red Bull will be determined to bounce back from their practice struggles. Ferrari and Mercedes will also be looking to push for pole position, making for a highly competitive qualifying session.
Key Takeaways:
- McLaren dominated FP2 with Norris and Piastri setting the pace.
- Verstappen experienced gearbox issues, hindering his performance and Red Bull's overall pace.
- Ferrari and Mercedes showed strong recovery and are expected to be in contention for pole position.
- Qualifying will be a tight battle with several teams vying for the top spot.
This exciting second practice session in Singapore sets the stage for a thrilling weekend of racing. The battle for pole position in qualifying will be crucial, as it will determine the starting order for the highly anticipated Singapore Grand Prix.
