Singapore Grand Prix 2024: FP2 Session Recap
The second practice session of the Singapore Grand Prix 2024 saw teams and drivers pushing their limits under the Marina Bay street circuit's demanding conditions. Here's a recap of the key takeaways from FP2:
Ferrari's Strong Showing
Charles Leclerc topped the timesheet in FP2, clocking a blistering 1:28.945. His teammate, Carlos Sainz, also impressed, finishing third, indicating a strong performance from the Scuderia. Their pace seems particularly impressive considering the recent performance of Red Bull, their main rivals for the Championship.
Red Bull's Struggle
Red Bull, despite dominating the season thus far, struggled to match the pace of Ferrari. Max Verstappen, the championship leader, only managed sixth place, while Sergio Perez was further down in ninth. While it is still early days, this performance raises questions about Red Bull's potential weaknesses on the Marina Bay circuit.
Mercedes' Rise
Mercedes had a positive session, with George Russell finishing fourth and Lewis Hamilton in seventh. They seem to have made progress in adapting their car to the challenging track conditions, hinting at a potential challenge to the top teams.
McLaren's Improvement
McLaren continued their upward trend in FP2, with Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri finishing fifth and eighth, respectively. This suggests that McLaren might be a contender for surprise results this weekend.
Other Notable Performances
Fernando Alonso in his Aston Martin showcased a strong performance, finishing second in the session. Pierre Gasly (AlphaTauri) and Valtteri Bottas (Alfa Romeo) also showed promise with their respective performances.
Key Takeaways
- Ferrari seems to have found a strong advantage on the Marina Bay circuit, with Leclerc and Sainz leading the timesheet.
- Red Bull's struggle in FP2 raises questions about their potential for the weekend.
- Mercedes seems to have made progress with their car, potentially putting them in contention for the top positions.
- McLaren continue their improved performance, with both drivers placing themselves amongst the frontrunners.
What to Watch For in FP3 and Qualifying
The Singapore Grand Prix is notorious for its unpredictable nature. This FP2 session has already offered a glimpse of the intense battle we can expect for the pole position and podium. With the track evolving and teams refining their strategies, the final practice session and qualifying will be crucial to watch.
Keep an eye out for the performance of the frontrunners and the potential for surprise performances from the midfield.
