Oscar Piastri of McLaren set the pace at the second practice session for the Singapore Grand Prix, recording a lap time of 1:30.714 amid a night filled with disruptions at the Marina Bay Circuit. The session, held under glowing city lights, was interrupted twice by red flags due to crashes, complicating the efforts of all drivers and teams as they prepared for the race weekend.
On-Track Incidents Cause Multiple Interruptions
The chaotic session saw George Russell and Liam Lawson both crash into the barriers, triggering red flags that paused track activity. Russell’s trouble began when he lost his front wing late in his lap, resulting in a heavy impact that forced stop one. Soon after, Lawson suffered a similar crash at Turn 17, leading to a second session halt.
Meanwhile, McLaren’s Lando Norris was involved in a collision in the pit lane with Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc, which damaged Norris’s car and relegated him to fifth place. Leclerc’s involvement in the incident has led to a pending stewards’ review, highlighting the unpredictable and tense atmosphere throughout the practice.
Aston Martin and Other Contenders Show Competitive Strength
Aston Martin’s presence remained strong, with Fernando Alonso finishing fourth and teammate Lance Stroll close behind in sixth. Their performance confirmed the team’s readiness to challenge rivals during the race weekend. Ferrari drivers Carlos Sainz and Leclerc completed the top ten, though uncertainties persist about Ferrari’s overall competitiveness heading into the qualifying sessions.
In contrast, Mercedes struggled during the session, hindered by Russell’s crash and Kimi Antonelli’s disappointing 18th place finish, placing the team under pressure to recover swiftly in upcoming sessions.
Weather and Tire Strategies Impact Practice Dynamics
The session began in warm and humid conditions, with the track temperature reaching 32.2°C and the air at 28.1°C. Teams initially used medium compound tires, though Aston Martin uniquely opted for hard tires early, adding a strategic variation. Drivers had limited track time due to interruptions, increasing the challenge of optimizing their setups for qualifying and race day.
Top Performers and Emerging Rivalries
Following Piastri on the timing sheets were Isack Hadjar in second and Max Verstappen in third. Verstappen, consistent across both practice sessions, demonstrated his usual strong form, suggesting a close battle for pole position ahead. The interplay between McLaren, Aston Martin, and Red Bull is shaping up to define the competitive landscape as teams finalize their setups.
Prospects for the Singapore Grand Prix Weekend
The developments during this volatile practice session emphasize the unpredictability typical of the Singapore GP, with significant implications for race strategy and performance. McLaren aims to build momentum from Piastri’s pace, while Aston Martin and Red Bull look poised to intensify the contest. The incidents and shifts in track position underscore the high stakes as drivers and teams brace for the challenges of the street circuit.
“Lando Norris Faces Frustration After “Disastrous” Singapore GP Practice, Collides with Leclerc”
— Lando Norris, Driver
“McLaren CEO Zak Brown’s Jaw-Dropping £11 Million Pay Rise Sparks F1 Frenzy After Championship Victory”
— Zak Brown, McLaren CEO
