Ferrari’s SF-23 had been expected to face a tough challenge on Singapore’s high-downforce track. However, the opening day of action at the Marina Bay circuit brought some surprises as Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc led both practice sessions. While this performance is encouraging, caution prevails in the Ferrari camp, as they are well aware of how quickly the form can change in Formula 1.
Sainz pointed out that the Singapore Grand Prix is notorious for delivering unpredictable results. He stated, “Yeah, a little [surprised]. But at the same time, I think you always need to arrive in Singapore very open-minded.” This openness is essential because the track conditions, especially falling temperatures and increased rubber on the racing surface, can significantly affect car performance during qualifying.
As Sainz wisely notes, “We’ve seen in the past very weird performance during Saturday’s track [action], because it’s a very particular track.” While Ferrari’s early pace looks promising, it’s crucial to remember that the track will evolve, and the team must stay adaptable. It’s all about finding the perfect setup, and that can change from one session to the next.
Sainz also acknowledged that Friday’s performance might have been influenced by the fact that some of Ferrari’s rivals were running upgrades. They might have been more focused on evaluating these upgrades rather than chasing outright performance. This means Saturday could bring surprises of its own as teams fine-tune their cars based on what they learned during Friday’s sessions.
Meanwhile, Charles Leclerc, who had a challenging weekend at the Italian GP, found a change in setup approach that worked well in Singapore. He noted, “It changed quite a bit from Monza where I struggled… The balance felt great straight away.” This change in approach has given Ferrari a positive start to the weekend, but there’s still work to be done to maintain their competitive edge.
In the world of Formula 1, where every detail matters, Ferrari’s cautious optimism is well-founded. The team knows that the road to victory in Singapore is full of twists and turns, and staying ahead requires constant adaptation and precision. As the weekend unfolds, all eyes will be on Ferrari to see if they can maintain their surprising pace and secure a strong position on the grid. Only time will tell if the Scuderia can turn this promising start into a triumphant finish on the challenging streets of Singapore.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about F1 Singapore Grand Prix
Q: How did Ferrari perform during the practice sessions in Singapore?
A: Ferrari surprised everyone by leading both practice sessions in Singapore, showing strong performance with their SF-23 car.
Q: Why are Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc cautious despite their strong start?
A: They remain cautious because the Singapore Grand Prix is known for its unpredictability, with changing track conditions and a unique layout that can make a significant difference in car performance.
Q: What did Carlos Sainz mean by “weird performance” during Saturday’s track action?
A: Sainz referred to the fact that Singapore’s track characteristics often lead to unexpected results on Saturday, as teams fine-tune their setups and adapt to the evolving track conditions.
Q: How did the presence of upgrades from Ferrari’s rivals affect their Friday performance?
A: Some of Ferrari’s competitors were testing upgrades on Friday, which may have diverted their focus from outright performance. This could mean that Saturday’s sessions bring further surprises.
Q: What changes did Charles Leclerc make in the setup approach for Singapore, and how did it affect his performance?
A: Leclerc altered his setup approach from the previous race at Monza, which had been challenging for him. The changes resulted in a more balanced car and a better start to the weekend in Singapore.
Q: What is the key takeaway from Ferrari’s performance in Singapore so far?
A: Ferrari’s strong start is promising, but they are aware that the Singapore Grand Prix demands adaptability and precision. Whether they can maintain their pace and secure a strong grid position remains to be seen as the weekend progresses.
More about F1 Singapore Grand Prix
- Ferrari leads practice sessions in Singapore
- Singapore Grand Prix – Formula 1
- Carlos Sainz – Formula 1 Profile
- Charles Leclerc – Formula 1 Profile
