Charles Leclerc claimed top spot during FP1 at the Singapore Grand Prix, as Max Verstappen complained over setup issues with his RB19 during a chaotic hour at the Marina Bay Street Circuit
Leclerc was joined by Carlos Sainz at the best of the timing sheets, with the Spaniard fair 0.078s behind his Ferrari team-mate’s lap time of 1:33:350s.
Lando Norris wrapped up the session behind Verstappen to claim fourth, ahead of the Mercedes pair of Lewis Hamilton and George Russell in fifth and 6th individually.
Sergio Perez came domestic in seventh, with Fernando Alonso, Yuki Tsunoda and Esteban Ocon adjusting off the best 10.
In spite of a parcel of the construct up to this end of the week centering on the Marina Narrows Road Circuit not suiting the Ferraris, that certainly did not appear the case amid FP1
Sainz and Leclerc flew to the best of the timesheets and remained there as qualifying sims begun and the delicate red tires went on.
In spite of the fact that not completely demonstrative of Sunday’s race, there will certainly be empowering signs for Fred Vasseur to consider ahead of the running in FP2 afterward on Friday.
Norris set an early pace at the starting of the session as he looked to lay down a marker for the end of the week. The McLaren arrived at Singapore with assist overhauls and its pace was clear to see from the exceptionally begin.
Oscar Piastri, who will ought to hold up until the Japanese Amazing Prix following time out to appreciate the total extend of Norris’ updates, finished the session in 19th.
McLaren CEO, Zak Brown, uncovered his joy with the early execution of the MCL60, expressing that Norris had given positive input with the changes made to his car this end of the week.
McLaren CEO, Zak Brown, revealed his pleasure with the early performance of the MCL60, stating that Norris had provided positive feedback with the changes made to his car this weekend.
Verstappen’s Red Bull complaints.
Verstappen was not satisfied with a few issues with his RB19 within the early portion of FP1, as he complained over the ‘aggressive downshifts’ and ‘oversteer in each corner’.
And it didn’t take long some time recently the Dutchman returned to group radio to wail over his ‘low speed’ and a need of footing.
Perez in the interim had a or maybe distinctive complaint, inquiring for his situate height to be raised to assist him see the summit of the corners more clearly.
F1 attire changes
Fans were treated to a rare see of the Marina Cove track within the daytime, with the primary hone session taking put earlier to nightfall in Singapore.
In spite of the fact that qualifying and the race itself will take place under the lights on Saturday and Sunday individually, both FP1 and FP3 take put prior within the day.
This showcased both Williams’ ‘Gulf’ uniform – on show for the following three races – and McLaren’s ‘Stealth Mode’ attire – in utilize for both the Singapore and Japan Grands Prix.
A strange reunion.
And despite the majority of attention being on both the racing and the new designs on display, a rather curious incident led to a yellow flag being waved after the halfway stage of the session.
Despite no immediate reason for the flag becoming apparent, it was soon revealed that a lizard had made its way onto the track.
Fans will remember Verstappen’s comical reaction to seeing a reptile at the Marina Bay Street Circuit in 2016, and the Dutchman didn’t miss his chance to reminisce as he avoided making contact with the animal.
“Ah. There’s a lizard again on the track,” he said. “A smaller one this time.”
And remarkably two more lizards also found their way onto the circuit later in the session prompting further yellow flags.
The two-time world champion will no doubt be hoping to avoid any further distractions over the weekend as he goes in search of his maiden race win in Singapore.
Here are the timesheets from Friday’s practice action at Marina Bay.
Singapore Grand Prix FP1 practice results – Friday September 15
- Charles Leclerc (Ferrari): 1:33.350sec
- Carlos Sainz (Ferrari): +0.078s
- Max Verstappen (Red Bull): +0.126s
- Lando Norris (McLaren): +0.172s
- Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes): +0.190s
- George Russell (Mercedes): +0.345s
- Sergio Perez (Red Bull): +0.375s
- Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin): +0.624s
- Yuki Tsunoda (AlphaTauri): +0.692s
- Esteban Ocon (Alpine): +0.716s
- Lance Stroll (Aston Martin): +1.218s
- Pierre Gasly (Alpine): +1.289s
- Alex Albon (Williams): +1.307s
- Valtteri Bottas (Alfa Romeo): +1.452s
- Kevin Magnussen (Haas): +1.537s
- Liam Lawson (AlphaTauri): +1.544s
- Nico Hulkenberg (Haas): +1.635s
- Zhou Guanyu (Alfa Romeo): +2.106s
- Oscar Piastri (McLaren): +2.124s
- Logan Sargeant (Williams): +2.428s