Oscar Piastri’s haul of factors from profitable final weekend’s Azerbaijan Grand Prix noticed McLaren snatch the lead from Crimson Bull within the constuctors’ championship, and the Formulation 1 season now makes its strategy to the humid climes of the Singapore Grand Prix.
McLaren have solely gained on Singapore’s streets as soon as, when the nation hosted its first race in 2008 with a then fresh-faced Lewis Hamilton ending the weekend atop the rostrum.
By comparability, Crimson Bull’s final win within the metropolis state was in 2022 with Sergio Pérez.
The battle between the groups is tight, and with solely seven races left within the season, neither Crimson Bull nor McLaren can afford to make many extra errors. Max Verstappen continues to be effectively set within the within the drivers’ standings with a 59-point lead over Lando Norris, however his final win got here on the Spanish GP on June 23.
The climate is about to be sizzling. Temperatures are forecast to achieve highs of 31°C with humidity at 70% on common throughout the weekend. The mornings from Friday to Sunday might see scattered thunderstorms.
Verstappen stated Lando Norris wants a “good” last seven races to beat him.
Singapore GP preview | Hearken to the most recent episode of ESPN’s F1 podcast Unlapped.
Since internet hosting Formulation 1’s first evening race in 2008, Singapore has turn into a agency favorite amongst followers and drivers.
The three-mile circuit carves via the centre of town, illuminated by 1,600 lights to permit two of the three apply classes to happen at sundown and qualifying and the race at evening.
The circuit was tweaked in 2023 resulting from development close to the bay, making a full-throttle run between Turns 14 and 16 and, new for 2024, the addition of a fourth DRS zone to help overtaking.
Laps: 62 laps of 4.9km. Whole distance 306km
Lap file: 1:35.867 Hamilton (2023)
Most wins: Sebastian Vettel with 5 (2011-2013, 2015, 2019). Of the present grid, Hamilton has 4 (2009, 2014, 2017-2018), and Fernando Alonso (2008, 2010), Carlos Sainz (2023), Perez (2022) have gained right here.
Most poles: Hamilton (2009, 2012, 2014, 2018) and Vettel (2011, 2013, 2015, 2017) are tied on 4. Of the present grid, Alonso (2010), Charles Leclerc (2019, 2022), Sainz (2023) have taken pole right here.
Singapore was the one race the dominant Crimson Bull crew did not win in 2023. Ferrari’s Sainz emerged victorious in a three-way battle with McLaren’s Norris and the Mercedes of George Russell.
Russell and teammate Hamilton, working third and fourth, seemed just like the quickest automobiles on monitor within the last stint, however Sainz allowed Norris to stay in DRS vary so the McLaren driver might extra simply defend from the Mercedes drivers.
The race ended with last-lap drama when Russell clipped the wall whereas attempting to shut in on Norris and crashed out of a podium end.
Very like Baku final weekend, the Singapore Grand Prix needs to be broad open. You might make circumstances for McLaren, Crimson Bull, Mercedes and Ferrari being quickest on the road circuit, however after his difficulties in qualifying in Azerbaijan, ESPN is backing Norris to win.
Watch on ESPNEWS and ESPN+ (U.S. solely) — view the schedule.
Reside broadcast protection within the U.Ok. is on Sky Sports activities F1 and BBC Radio 5 Reside.
For information, evaluation and updates, observe the protection with ESPN’s F1 crew Nate Saunders and Laurence Edmondson in Singapore and on social media.
Friday
Free apply one: 10:30-11:30 BST
Free apply two: 14:00-15:00 BST
Saturday
Free apply three: 10:30-11:30 BST
Qualifying: 14:00-15:00 BST
Sunday
Race begins: 13:00 BST.
Ultimately, there’s been a change on the high of the standings — McLaren lead the constructors’ championship by 20 factors, however can they maintain it?
Verstappen nonetheless has the drivers’ championship lead with Norris nonetheless needing a minimal of 60 factors to overhaul him.
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