Championship leader Verstappen languishes in P15 as Norris tops FP2
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Lando Norris and Charles Leclerc look set for an intense duel during the Singapore Grand Prix weekend. After Leclerc topped FP1, Norris reacted by going fastest in FP2. But the Brit only managed to do so by 0.058 seconds at the Marina Bay Street Circuit. It seems to foreshadow an intense weekend that will be important for both Ferrari and McLaren to maximise while Red Bull seem to struggle.
Red Bull Racing anticipates that their upgrades will work well in the next Grand Prix weekend in Austin, but for now, they seem to be off the pace in Singapore again. Sergio Perez recorded the 8th fastest time in the session, and the Dutchman was in P15. Verstappen's full pace wasn't shown, but the RB19 is not yet fully optimised as Verstappen ran over the kerbs, and Perez used the run-off area. Full loads and engine modes remain unknown. Red Bull was not alone with their issues, as Norris also used the run-off zone, and both drivers clipped the wall.
Therefore, Norris and McLaren will want to maximise the weekend. Norris needs to take as many points as possible to cut his 59-point gap to Verstappen in the World Championship. To do that in Singapore, he will have to survive another battle from Ferrari. Yuki Tsunoda had another positive session with a P4 finish. Oscar Piastri rounded out the top five.
The second free practice session was the most realistic 60 minutes of practice during the weekend. With the floodlights on, the start time of FP2 is very similar to qualifying and the race, so the drivers will use these conditions in meaningful sessions.
What happened during FP2 in Singapore?
Williams once again demonstrated some good pace earlier in the session. After a positive FP1 for the Grove-based team, Alex Albon topped the timesheets after the first 15 minutes. Verstappen made a mistake and went over the kerb but had space in the runoff to avoid any major drama. Hamilton and Mercedes reported a lack of rear end in corners 7,8,9 and 13.
Leclerc and Ferrari were the first to pick up the pace on the medium compound. He went half a second faster than Albon with three purple sectors. However, the Williams driver put the soft tyres on and bet that time. George Russell didn't have the same joy straight away. His Mercedes car went into limb home mode with 35 minutes remaining, but the issue was cleared before he pitted.
The Ferrari drivers, along with Norris, took control at the top of the timesheet. During the long runs, some drivers reported hitting the wall. Norris said on the radio that he hit the wall "pretty hard" but was able to continue his run. Russell hit the wall. He lost his front wing but was able to reverse out.