With only Sunday’s race remaining, it’s the perfect time to look back at the Singapore Grand Prix weekend so far. We’ve had driver market news, championship battles intensifying, and FIA interventions.
After last week’s thrilling battle for victory in Baku, McLaren arrived in Singapore on a high, now leading the Constructors’ Championship. With only a few races left, both 2024 championship leaders look set to go down to the final race in Abu Dhabi.
Catch up on everything you missed this week as F1 prepares to go racing in Singapore!
FIA Hand out Community Service to Max Verstappen
Max Verstappen stirred controversy during the Thursday drivers’ press conference by addressing vulgar language used over radio broadcasts. Ironically, his own choice of words prompted the FIA to summon him. As a result, Verstappen will have to perform community service.
🚨 | BREAKING: Max Verstappen is oblidged to “accomplish some work of public interest” after swearing in the FIA press conference yesterday.#F1 #SingaporeGP pic.twitter.com/ouqM6ZE9C7
— Fastest Pitstop (@FastestPitStop) September 20, 2024
Later that day, the FIA dismissed allegations of McLaren’s “illegal” rear wing. They introduced a new rule prohibiting rear wing flaps that bend on straights, even if the wing passes static deflection tests.
Singapore Grand Prix: Friday Practice
Friday’s FP1 and FP2 sessions ran relatively smoothly despite a few brushes with the walls. All drivers completed their programs, although Red Bull’s performance appeared off. Leclerc and Norris set the pace, leaving Red Bull with work to do before Saturday.
FP2 Classification:#F1 #SingaporeGP pic.twitter.com/MZrgSTd6OT
— Fastest Pitstop Live (@FastestPitLive) September 20, 2024
Leclerc and Norris would set the benchmarks on Friday as Red Bull had a busy evening to get their setups in order.
The Fight for Pole at Marina Bay
Qualifying delivered plenty of drama. Williams impressed by placing both cars just outside the top 10, while Sauber’s miserable season continued with both drivers knocked out in Q1. Daniel Ricciardo also exited early, qualifying 16th. In Q2, Sergio Perez qualified 13th, his fifth failure to make Q3 this season. The 2023 race winner has some ground to cover on race day.
Q3 brought further excitement as Ferrari looked set to challenge McLaren. However, Carlos Sainz crashed into the barrier at Turn 19, causing a red flag. This left only Piastri and Hulkenberg with completed laps. After the restart, drivers had just one attempt to set a competitive time.
LANDO NORRIS TAKES POLE ON THE STREETS OF SINGAPORE!!#F1 #SingaporeGP pic.twitter.com/hUFvLa7F58
— Fastest Pitstop (@FastestPitStop) September 21, 2024
Lando Norris seized the opportunity, securing pole position ahead of Verstappen and Hamilton. Ferrari struggled, with both cars finishing at the bottom of Q3.
Singapore Grand Prix Predictions
As we look ahead to the race, with rain predicted, it promises to be an exciting showdown. With almost a guarantee of a safety car interruption, a high percentage of races finished due to a lack of time and all other difficulties that Singapore has on offer, there are a few questions that spring to mind when looking at the race:
Can Norris keep his lead in the first lap for the first time this season? Will Verstappen finally win the one race that has eluded him?
Stay tuned to our live coverage on X or Instagram for the latest updates on what promises to be a thrilling race!
