Fernando Alonso was fastest in FP1 and Oscar Piastri led FP2 at the F1 Singapore GP on Friday. The sessions saw crashes, red flags, and a pit lane clash between Norris and Leclerc, with rookie Isack Hadjar delivering a standout performance.
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FP1
Fernando Alonso set the pace in the opening practice session for the Singapore Grand Prix, topping the timesheets in daylight on the challenging Marina Bay street circuit. The two-time world champion edged out Charles Leclerc, who took second, with reigning champion Max Verstappen third quickest.
Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton slotted into fourth, ahead of both McLarens and impressive rookie Isack Hadjar. The rest of the top ten featured Carlos Sainz, Yuki Tsunoda, and Esteban Ocon.
It was a subdued start for Mercedes: George Russell could do no better than 11th, while Kimi Antonelli managed only 14th. At the back, Alex Albon’s session was cut short almost immediately when the rear brakes on his Williams caught fire, leaving him confined to the garage for most of the hour.
FP2
McLaren’s championship leader Oscar Piastri led the way under the lights in second practice, clocking a benchmark lap of 1:30.714. The Australian was pushed hard by Isack Hadjar, who stunned the field by finishing just a tenth behind in his Racing Bulls, while Verstappen once again settled for third.
Alonso continued his strong form in fourth, with Lando Norris rounding out the top five. Norris’s evening was far from smooth, however — the Briton collided with Charles Leclerc in the pit lane after the second of two red flag interruptions. Released into his path, Leclerc made contact, though the McLaren’s front wing escaped serious damage and Norris was able to continue.
Both red flags came after heavy crashes: George Russell and Liam Lawson struck the barriers hard, though fortunately both drivers walked away unscathed.
The full results of the free practices according to FIA.com:
