Singapore GP FP1: Leclerc Leads, Highlights
The first free practice session for the Singapore Grand Prix provided a tantalizing glimpse of the weekend's potential, with Charles Leclerc topping the timesheets for Ferrari.
Ferrari's Early Pace
Leclerc, a previous winner in Singapore, set the fastest lap time of 1:43.021, showcasing the SF-23's impressive performance on the Marina Bay Street Circuit. Carlos Sainz, Leclerc's teammate, followed closely in second place, securing a strong start for the Scuderia.
Red Bull's Response
Despite being slightly off the pace in FP1, Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez for Red Bull Racing showed signs of competitiveness. Verstappen, the reigning world champion, finished third, while Perez slotted in fourth, indicating the title contenders are ready to challenge for the lead.
Mercedes Struggles
Mercedes struggled in the opening session, with Lewis Hamilton and George Russell finishing eighth and eleventh respectively. The Silver Arrows are yet to find their rhythm on the demanding Singapore track, raising concerns about their overall performance this weekend.
Other Notable Moments
- Fernando Alonso, the veteran driver for Aston Martin, impressed by securing fifth place, demonstrating the team's strong performance early in the session.
- Nico Hulkenberg, driving for Haas, finished sixth, showing promise for the American team in Singapore.
- Alex Albon, in his Williams, secured a respectable ninth place, indicating the team's steady progress in the 2023 season.
Looking Ahead
The first practice session offered a glimpse of the tight competition expected throughout the Singapore Grand Prix weekend. With Ferrari leading the way, but Red Bull still in the mix, the battle for victory looks set to be intense. However, the unpredictable nature of the track and the challenging weather conditions could shake things up in the remaining sessions and the race itself.
Stay tuned for FP2, where the teams will fine-tune their setups and potentially reveal more about their true potential in Singapore.
