Singapore Grand Prix FP1: Leclerc Sets Pace, Verstappen Struggles
The Singapore Grand Prix got underway with a thrilling first practice session, seeing Charles Leclerc lead the way for Ferrari, setting the fastest lap time. However, it wasn't all smooth sailing for the Scuderia, with teammate Carlos Sainz facing a challenging session due to an engine issue.
Leclerc's Dominance:
The Monegasque driver showcased his dominance on the Marina Bay Street Circuit, setting a blistering lap time of 1:42.226. This performance puts him in a strong position for the upcoming qualifying and race, but it's still early days.
Verstappen's Struggles:
Max Verstappen from Red Bull had a tough start to the weekend, struggling to find the right rhythm and ending the session in P5. He was hampered by a gearbox issue, forcing him to miss several laps. This early setback will undoubtedly put pressure on the reigning champion to improve significantly for the remaining sessions.
Sainz's Engine Woes:
Ferrari's Carlos Sainz faced a frustrating first practice session, forced to abort his run early due to an engine issue. The Spaniard was unable to complete a significant amount of laps, leaving him in P11. This incident will be a concern for the team, who will need to ensure Sainz's car is ready for qualifying and the race.
Other Notable Performances:
Several other drivers impressed during FP1, including Lewis Hamilton who finished P2 for Mercedes. The seven-time world champion appears to be in strong form, setting the fastest time in the final sector. Fernando Alonso also delivered a strong performance, finishing P3 for Alpine. This puts him in a good position to challenge for a strong starting spot on Saturday.
Looking Ahead:
FP1 provided a glimpse into the potential of this weekend's Singapore Grand Prix. While Leclerc set the pace in the opening session, the competition looks set to be fierce. Verstappen will need to recover quickly from his early struggles, and Sainz's engine issue is a cause for concern for Ferrari. With plenty of racing action ahead, the rest of the weekend promises to be thrilling.
