Sep 15, 2023 at 12:38 Update: 11 minutes ago
Max Verstappen clocked the third fastest time in the first free practice for the Singapore Grand Prix on Friday. Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz were faster in their Ferraris at the Marina Bay Street Circuit, where wild animals caused some commotion.
The training was disrupted four times by a large lizard on the circuit. Verstappen spotted the first. It reminded the Dutchman of an encounter with a similar animal in 2016. “Only this one was smaller,” he said over the on-board radio. “Maybe Godzilla had children,” his engineer Gianpiero Lambiase responded wittily.
The animals also appeared on the track later in the training. It was not clear whether the same animal was always crossing or whether there were several daredevils. George Russell is sure he saw differences.
“It’s different this time,” said the Mercedes driver. In any case, it involved one or more Indian monitor lizards, of which it is unclear whether they all emerged from their adventure unscathed. Fernando Alonso looked to hit one.
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Strong start from Ferrari
Ferrari, meanwhile, had a good first training session, with the fastest time for Leclerc in 1.33.350. Carlos Sainz gave up just 0.078 seconds to his teammate. Verstappen finished third, 0.126 seconds behind Leclerc. The Dutchman still struggled with his Red Bull at the start of training and complained of oversteer at the exit of the corners.
The fourth fastest time was set by Lando Norris, who impressed with his McLaren. The team has brought a major update to Singapore, although it is only completely on Norris’ car. Oscar Piastri has to make do partly with the old configuration and did not get further than the nineteenth time during his debut on the street circuit.
Mercedes saw Lewis Hamilton set the fifth fastest time, 0.190 seconds behind Leclerc. Russell finished sixth, but more than three-tenths off the fastest lap time. Sergio Pérez did not get further than the seventh fastest time in the preparation for his 250th Grand Prix.
Top ten first workout
1. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari): 1.33.3502. Carlos Sainz (Ferrari): +0.0783. Max Verstappen (Red Bull): +0.1264. Lando Norris (McLaren): +0.1725. Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes): +0.1906. George Russell (Mercedes): +0.3457. Sergio Pérez (Red Bull): +0.3758. Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin): +0.6249. Yuki Tsunoda (AlphaTauri): +0.69210. Esteban Ocon (Alpine): +0.716
Verstappen expects more opposition in Singapore
Verstappen announced before the start of the race weekend that he expects stiff competition in Singapore, where he is trying to win for the eleventh time in a row. The Dutchman has never won in the Asian metropolis.
According to Verstappen, his dominant Red Bull is relatively less competitive on the winding street circuit. His team won all races this season. A racing stable has never managed to win all the Grands Prix in one year. Singapore is the 15th race in a season of 22 GPs.
Singapore GP timetable (Dutch times):
Friday 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM: First free practice Friday 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM: Second free practice Saturday 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM: Third free practice Saturday 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM: Qualifying Sunday 2:00 PM: Race
2023-09-15 10:38:00
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