Mclaren
Ferrari
Haas
Alpha Tauri
Alfa Romeo
Williams
Racing Point
Red Bull
Renault
Mercedes
Singapore Grand Prix FP1 Summary
Singapore Grand Prix FP1 kicks off as it did exactly one year ago with a Red Bull atop the time sheet only this time, it’s Max Verstappen a tenth and a half clear of Sebastian Vettel. The other Red Bull In Alex Albon fell behind to fifth in a session that seemed overcrowded and slowed down by a Singapore shunt – Valterri Bottas edition.
Singapore Shunt: Valtteri Bottas Puts It Into The Wall
“Lost the rear a bit… my bad.” Valtteri Bottas
Singapore Grand Prix FP1 Analysis
Singapore Grand Prix FP1 kicks off like most free practice sessions in F1; data collection being the name of the game. Gathering track time data and sending back to factories to run simulations. Data feedback is important here and the direction of car depends on sensor information but also both of the driver’s perspective.
Dirty air is your enemy at the Singapore Grand Prix and Ferrari have adjusted their front nose to account just for that. They will also benefit from the breaking news this week that the FIA add third DRS zone to the Singapore street circuit.
Other notable mentions to the session were Leclerc’s gear shifting issue. It’s likely he’ll get it turned around just fine but got it stuck in 4th gear in the middle section. His went back down gears successfully and utlimately ended up shutting it down as he couldn’t progress out of 4th and wound up limping back to the pits.
It was Lando Norris maiden F1 drive at Singapore – learning from Valterri’s mistake, he had an incident at turn 7 but decided ultimately to run his car straight into the run off instead of try to make the turn. Looking at the onboard, it appeared he felt he was losing the rear and made the consious decision to abort making the turn… good call from the McLaren rookie.
What will be interesting to watch in the oncoming sessions will how tyre management plays out. Make sure you check out our infographic seen to the right and breakdown of the Singapore Grand Prix 2019 Tyre Analysis.
Lewis Hamilton’s 2018 Qualifying Time – 1:36.015
Fastest time in FP1 by Ricciardo: 1:39.7
“
Christian Horner, Team Boss Red Bull Racing
It’s been a solid start.
The circuit is is evolving as it rubbers in…
…Generally it’s a respectable start and for Alex’s first time on the track it’s pretty decent, too.
Singapore Grand Prix FP1 – What To Watch For In FP2
Assuming Leclerc comes back, he’ll have something to prove after being out of the session for so long. He’s a very technical driver so this circuit suits him well. But with Hamilton and Vettel holding a combined 8 wins, he’s up against real veterans of the sport, as always. And as always, I’m sure he’ll be up for the test.
Sainz Jr. recently mentioned how he wasn’t expecting much from the McLaren due to downforce concerns but they are having a solid early showing in P7 & P8.
Watch Nico Hulkenberg in the sessions to come. There’s something magical about watching an incredible talent like Hulkenberg drive like his career depends on it.. frankly, it does. I wouldn’t wish that situation on any driver – but he seems to be responding. Let’s see if he continues this current form as he ends FP1 P6.
Join For Exclusive F1 News & Analysis
Related F1 News
Fernando Alonso’s Titles & The Toppling of Ferrari
The Changing Of The Guard Fernando Alonso is one of the most polarizing of all active drivers. But many have forgotten the time when he was unstoppable. While the events that played out in the 2005 and 2006 F1 seasons that led to the crowning of the young Spaniard...
![Renault Mass Damper FIA Hearing Decision [IN FULL]](https://www.cymotorsport.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/unnamed-400x250.jpg)
Renault Mass Damper FIA Hearing Decision [IN FULL]
INTERNATIONAL COURT OF APPEAL (I.C.A.) of the FEDERATION INTERNATIONALE DE L'AUTOMOBILE Referred by the Federation Internationale de l'Automobile by virtue of Article 1 of the Regulations of the International Court of Appeal CASE Appeal against Decision N°8 handed...
![The Worst Seat In Formula 1: Why Red Bull Picked Perez [EXPLAINED]](https://www.cymotorsport.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/red-bull-cover-driver-lineup-2021-400x250.jpg)
The Worst Seat In Formula 1: Why Red Bull Picked Perez [EXPLAINED]
The Worst Seat In Formula 1Red Bull as a racing team is an interesting one. Given their short history, they've managed to do quite a bit in the world of Formula 1. But the latest move to drop Albon for the season Sergio Perez might reveal the major issue the team...
