George Russell Tops Singapore FP1 by 0.198s With 1:32.274 Lap
Updated
Updated · Formula 1 · Oct 9
George Russell Tops Singapore FP1 by 0.198s With 1:32.274 Lap
3 articles · Updated · Formula 1 · Oct 9
Summary
George Russell set the pace in Singapore's only practice session at 1:32.274, finishing 0.198s ahead of Charles Leclerc and 0.273s clear of Lando Norris before Friday's Sprint Qualifying.
Soft-tyre runs decided the order late in the hour after dusty Marina Bay conditions improved; Lewis Hamilton briefly went fastest before Russell reclaimed top spot in the final five minutes.
Nico Hulkenberg triggered a brief Virtual Safety Car with less than 20 minutes left after stopping near the pit exit and reporting a gearbox problem on his Audi.
Russell's benchmark came despite complaints that his Mercedes felt "very stiff," and he still faces a back-of-grid start for Sunday's Grand Prix because of power-unit changes.