Last free practice session in Singapore heavily marked by pouring rain which closes the best time by Charles Leclerc, followed about 5 tenths by Verstappen and his teammate, Sainz, until yesterday always ahead of the Monegasque. An unknown factor, that of the rain, which we had already announced in recent days and that could also have repercussions in the race. Already in 2017 we had a taste of what it means to start on a wet track on the Singapore street circuit. An experience that we would not like to relive but that can upset the cards. We recall that right on the Asian track Max Verstappen will have the first match point available to secure the 2022 World Cup. However, what is now even more interesting than the activity on the track – even less significant today because of the rain during FP3 – it's the scandal Red Bull – budget cap. The FIA has not yet officially pronounced itself, but the matter could put the last two Red Bull championships, and the relative titles at stake, in discussion. As the hours go by, the situation becomes more and more serious and intricate. Red Bull must defend itself by challenging the balance sheets, while Mercedes continues to attack, also seeking the support of Mattia Binotto.
We only go out on the track for half the session
Given the presence of areas with stagnant water, or "standing toilet” who requested the intervention of the marshalls once the rain stopped, the riders took to the track at -29 from the end of FP3 to ring in as many laps as possible and find the limit to best prepare for qualifying on the city. Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc they are the ones with the most ground to make up. Both have turned less than the others in the FP2, and FP1 for the constant setup changes on their single-seaters. The first to take to the track are the two AlphaTauri squires, with the full wet tyres. After a few laps, however, some riders started asking to fit the intermediate tyres, seeing a progressive improvement on the track.
Max and Charles trade blows
In fact, 17 minutes from the end of the session, Gasly, Verstappen and Leclerc went down with the tires with the green band. The first to take a risk by scoring a time in still hybrid conditions. The two protagonists of this season exchanged fast laps also thanks to a track that continued to improve. Precisely on this type of track, first wet, then humid, the pure talent of the riders comes out, and perhaps also their obstinacy. Leclerc is therefore confirmed as the fastest in the first part of Saturday in Singapore, followed by Verstappen and Sainz. In the top 10 we also find Alonso, Perez, Stroll - who confirms his preference for circuits with these conditions - Ocon, Vettel, Russell - the only Mercedes in the top 10 and Ricciardo. An abyss between these and the top 5 riders, more than 3 seconds behind.
Among a series of long runs, the Williams duo close the standings, not particularly exciting, as does the Alfa Romeo duo. Waiting to find out what weather and above all what times the qualification will reserve for us which will start at 15:00 we remind you to deploy the Fanta F1 training on our App!
Here are all the times from FP3
