Max Verstappen kept pace in the first free practice session for the Singapore Grand Prix on Friday, while Fernando Alonso set the fastest time.
Verstappen posted a 1:31.392 and conceded more than two tenths to Alonso’s fastest time. Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc (+0.150) finished second. Lewis Hamilton (+0.364) was fourth, narrowly ahead of both McLaren drivers. Oscar Piastri (+0.365) complained over the team radio several times about his car and finished fifth. Lando Norris was sixth (+0.582).
Alexander Albon missed much of the session after one of his brakes caught fire and did not set a time. The first free practice went otherwise without incident.
The report said Verstappen had looked hopeless for title contention last month, but after wins in Monza and Baku he has “secretly regained hope” that he can compete for the championship this year. His gap to World Championship leader Oscar Piastri remains 69 points.
The Grand Prix weekend continues with second practice at 3 p.m. (Dutch time) on Friday. Qualifying starts at the same time on Saturday, and the race begins on Sunday at 2 p.m.
