‘Singapore is like no other race week’, says Lando Norris
Max Verstappen is chasing another victory – what would be his 11th in a row – as Formula 1 returns to Asia for the popular Singapore Grand Prix at the Marina Bay Street Circuit.
Verstappen broke the record for the most consecutive race wins last time out at Monza, overtaking Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz to win his 10th race in a row. The Dutchman is cruising to a third-straight F1 world championship and currently has a 145-point lead in the standings to team-mate Sergio Perez, though cannot clinch the title in Singapore.
It was an improved performance from Ferrari in Italy, with Sainz securing his first podium of the year and Charles Leclerc finishing fourth, while the Mercedes duo of Lewis Hamilton and George Russell followed up their new contracts with sixth and fifth place respectively. Williams’ Alex Albon was a standout once again, finishing seventh.
Perez won last year’s wet race under the lights in Singapore – a venue where Verstappen is yet to triumph in his career. Lewis Hamilton is a four-time winner in Marina Bay.
Follow live updates from the Singapore Grand Prix with The Independent
F1 SINGAPORE GRAND PRIX – PRACTICE
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Max Verstappen tells Toto Wolff to focus on Mercedes after snipe
Max Verstappen has told Toto Wolff to focus on his own team after he called the Dutchman’s record winning streak “completely irrelevant” and “for Wikipedia”.
But moments after Verstappen’s landmark win, Mercedes team principal Wolff said: “For me, these kinds of records are completely irrelevant. Those numbers are for Wikipedia and nobody reads that anyway.”
George Russell and Lewis Hamilton crossed the line a distant fifth and sixth respectively for Mercedes at Monza’s Cathedral of Speed.
Kieran Jackson15 September 2023 17:14
How Red Bull can clinch the Constructors’ Championship this weekend?
– A Red Bull one-two finish with the fastest lap and Mercedes score one point or less
– A Red Bull one-two finish without the fastest lap and Mercedes score no points
Kieran Jackson15 September 2023 16:46
Sebastian Vettel refuses to rule out return to Formula 1
Sebastian Vettel refused to rule out a return to F1 when questioned about the likelihood of a dramatic comeback.
The four-time world champion retired at the end of the 2022 season after two years of frustration at Aston Martin.
The finale to his stay in the sport was a far-cry from the glory years, namely with Red Bull with four straight titles from 2010-2013, as well as championship tilts with Ferrari.
But Vettel, 36, admits he “can’t exclude” the prospect of a return in the future, when asked by Sky F1’s Martin Brundle whether he would return to the grid in a similar manner to the likes of Fernando Alonso and Kimi Raikkonen.
Kieran Jackson15 September 2023 16:28
BREAKING: FIA take action against Helmut Marko after comments about Sergio Perez
Helmut Marko has received a written warning from the FIA and was “reminded of his responsibilities as a public figure in motorsport” after his comments about Sergio Perez.
The 80-year-old, who works as a special advisor for Red Bull, apologised after comments made after the Italian Grand Prix two weeks ago
Marko referred to Perez’s background when discussing his poor form, saying: “Let’s remember that he (Perez) is South American and so he is not as focused as Max Verstappen or Sebastian Vettel was.”
While Marko apologised, with Perez accepting the apology, Lewis Hamilton and Toto Wolff were among the figures to condemn Marko’s actions when speaking this weekend in Singapore.
Kieran Jackson15 September 2023 15:56
Singapore Grand Prix ‘like no other race’, says Lando Norris
The Singapore Grand Prix is “like no other race” says Formula One racing driver Lando Norris as he gives fans a glimpse into his preparation for the event.
Norris said: “Singapore is very special, it’s like no other race week of the whole year, it’s just a different buzz and energy about this race.
“It’s one of the most physically and mentally demanding. It’s one of the longest most challenging street circuits. There are a lot of places that can catch you out.”
‘Singapore is like no other race week’, says Lando Norris
Kieran Jackson15 September 2023 15:38
Kieran Jackson15 September 2023 15:20
Carlos Sainz fastest in FP2
It’s been Ferrari’s day in Singapore!
Charles Leclerc was fastest this morning while Carlos Sainz has beaten his team-mate this afternoon. His 1:32:120 is only 0.018 secs quicker than the Monegasque!
George Russell is two-tenths off in third, with Fernando Alonso fourth and Lewis Hamilton fifth – four-tenths off Sainz.
Max Verstappen? Down in eighth… interesting! Work to do for the champion-in-waiting it seems!
6-10: Norris, Perez, Verstappen, Magnussen, Bottas
(Getty Images)
Kieran Jackson15 September 2023 15:00
George Russell goes third-fastest!
As most of the drivers switch to longer, race simulations, George Russell sneaks into the top-three – 0.235 secs off Carlos Sainz in first.
Like FP1, though, it’s Ferrari leading the way.
4-10: Alonso, Hamilton, Norris, Perez, Verstappen, Magnussen, Bottas
Around 15 minutes to go…
(Getty Images)
Kieran Jackson15 September 2023 14:51
Carlos Sainz fastest this time in a Ferrari one-two
You always expect Max Verstappen’s times to naturally improve and, by the end of Friday, he is at the top of the timesheet.
But not yet today! The Dutchman is only P6 after his first qualifying sim.
Carlos Sainz is first, with a 1:32:130, while Charles Leclerc is second and Lewis Hamilton third – three-tenths off first spot.
4-10: Alonso, Russell, Verstappen, Norris, Magnussen, Bottas, Lawson
25 minutes left. Track is likely to evolve, still, so times could yet tumble…
(Getty Images)
Kieran Jackson15 September 2023 14:35
A switch to softs with 30 mins left
Here come the qualifying simulation runs, as most of the pack switch to soft tyres. Will we get a surprise?
Kieran Jackson15 September 2023 14:29