Singapore GP FP2: Norris Outpaces Leclerc, Verstappen Struggles
The second practice session for the Singapore Grand Prix saw Lando Norris of McLaren set the fastest time, edging out Charles Leclerc of Ferrari. The session was marred by several red flags, including a crash from Max Verstappen that saw the reigning champion struggle throughout the evening.
Norris Dominates, Leclerc Close Behind
Norris clocked a blistering lap time of 1:42.225, a significant improvement from his FP1 performance. His teammate, Oscar Piastri, followed closely behind, securing P3. Leclerc, despite a late push, finished second, just 0.133 seconds behind Norris.
This performance showcased the potential of the McLaren MCL60 in the Singaporean street circuit. The car's handling and pace on the tight, twisty track were evident, and Norris's confidence behind the wheel was palpable.
Verstappen Struggles, Red Flag Delays Session
Max Verstappen, who has been dominant this season, experienced a difficult session. He spun into the barriers at the end of the session, causing a red flag. This incident followed a number of other issues throughout the session, including a gearbox problem that hampered his progress.
His teammate, Sergio Perez, also had a frustrating practice session. While Perez was able to secure P4, he was clearly not at ease with the car, and his pace was inconsistent.
Other Key Takeaways from FP2
- Lewis Hamilton finished in P5, highlighting the competitiveness of Mercedes in Singapore.
- Fernando Alonso continued to impress in his Alpine, finishing P6, demonstrating the team's improved performance.
- The Alfa Romeo cars looked promising, with Valtteri Bottas and Zhou Guanyu finishing in P7 and P8 respectively.
- George Russell endured a challenging session, finishing down in P14.
Looking Ahead to Qualifying
The second practice session provided valuable insights into the competitive landscape for the Singapore Grand Prix. While Norris and Leclerc appear to be the frontrunners, Verstappen's struggles raise concerns for Red Bull.
With qualifying scheduled for Saturday, the fight for pole position promises to be intense. It will be interesting to see if Verstappen can recover from his Friday struggles and if McLaren can carry their momentum into the crucial qualifying session.
