Q1: Leclerc at the top, backlash for Schumacher
After two weekends without racing, Formula 1 is back on track and does it at Singapore, one of the most iconic tracks on the calendar. After two years of absence due to the pandemic, the first night race in history returns to amaze and does so with a qualifying, which began with the intermediates and ended with Leclerc's pole.
After a FP3 passed by exchanging fast laps, Leclerc e Verstappen they continue their duel by scoring the first and second half respectively. The two “squires” follow Perez e Sainz, with even the two Mercedes closer than usual.
The checkered flag falls and the five drivers eliminated are the two Williams of Latifs e Albon, Or with, Ricciardo e Bottas. Kidney failure for Mick Schumacher who manages to enter Q2 at the last second. Good session so far also for the compatriot Hag, eleventh.
Q2: twist in a top team!
The session begins with a track still for intermediate but a lot drier compared to Q1, despite some puddles right at the braking points. The first team to mount the slicks is theAston Martin with Stroll and Vettel. Wise move for a team that has little to lose and everything to gain.
While Hamilton climbs to second position ahead of Verstappen, the companion Russell it stays out for 6 thousandths. Also eliminated Mick Schumacher and Guanyu Zhou, while risk doesn't pay for Aston Martins: neither Hag nor Stroll they improve and finish respectively in 14th and 12th position.
Q3: Leclerc on pole, Verstappen forced to surrender
For the final shootout, all 10 riders left in contention for pole take to the track on red slicks, with the exception of tsunoda who takes advantage of it to get ahead. Hamilton improves his time by 2 seconds and takes first position, while Verstappen hard to find grip.
Verstappen and Perez moved into second and third position respectively, ahead of the two Ferraris of Leclerc and Sainz. One minute from the end, Alonso signs the provisional pole, but the glory does not last long: Leclerc goes faster and takes the lead, before Perez and his partner Sainz take second and third.
The checkered flag falls and the Ferrari with Leclerc takes the ninth pole position of the season! A great Perez complete the first row in front of Hamilton e Sainz. A great Alonso he puts himself in the third row in front of Norris e gasly. Verstappen closes only eighth after the team told him to abort his last (excellent) attempt. Magnussen e tsunoda complete the top 10. The appointment is tomorrow at 14 for an unmissable race!
