Going into the Singapore GP, Carlos Sainz was hoping to qualify in the top 5 once again. But as Q3 began, the Ferrari driver was not even able to start a hotlap. Sainz had a very strange crash in the last corner of the track while he was starting his first flying lap of Q3. This accident has now put Ferrari in a compromising position for tomorrow’s race which is vital for the Championship.
In the past 2 races, Ferrari has been challenging McLaren for race wins and pole positions. In Monza, Leclerc won the race, and in Baku, Leclerc took pole position and looked good to win until Oscar Piastri pulled off an impressive overtake. These results put Ferrari back in the Championship fight, just 31 points behind Red Bull and 51 points behind McLaren.
Carlos Sainz and Ferrari face uphill battle in Singapore
If not McLaren, Ferrari were hoping to give a challenge to Red Bull. Throughout the practice sessions ahead of qualifying, both Ferraris showed strong pace that could have put them on the first 2 rows. But not just Sainz, even Leclerc had a poor performance after which he both the Ferraris will start from the 5th row on the grid.
After his crash, Sainz said:
“A very strange incident there, I had to let a few cars buy in the last sector, this cooled my tires down massively and launching the lap I just overestimated the grip that I would get on the cold tires.”
Carlos Sainz goes crashing out of Q3 💥😵#F1 #SingaporeGP pic.twitter.com/MQFKB6GrXU
— Formula 1 (@F1) September 21, 2024
Just before the crash, Sainz pulled his car aside to give way to Oscar Piastri who was on a hotlap. This caused his tyres to lose temperature, giving him no grip as he accelerated toward the final corner to start his hotlap.
Now, both the Ferraris will have to fight their way through the field if they hope to stay in the hunt for the Constructors’ Championship. Catching McLaren might prove to be difficult as both their drivers are performing well. But catching Red Bull could be a bit more easy as only Max Verstappen has been performing well. Sergio Perez will be starting 13th for the race tomorrow.
McLaren have overtaken Red Bull in the World Constructors Championship and Ferrari too have caught up! With the constantly shifting momentum of all three teams there’ll be no telling who end the season on top!
Will we see a 3-way brawl to the finish for the Constructor’s title… pic.twitter.com/My5ExLjGdq
— Fastest Pitstop (@FastestPitStop) September 17, 2024
The Singapore GP is also a very demanding race. The heat and humidity will be off the charts. There is also a high risk of safety cars given that it is a street circuit. This also makes the race very unpredictable. But one thing is for certain. We are in for an exciting race.
Do you think Ferrari can still fight for the Constructors’ Championship this year? Post your thoughts in the comments section below.
