Russell quickest in old-spec Mercedes as Antonelli and Red Bull pair save tyres
RaceFans • • sports
Key Points:
- George Russell topped the sole practice session for the Singapore Grand Prix after reverting to Mercedes’ pre-Sepang car specification, while teammate Andrea Kimi Antonelli and Red Bull drivers Max Verstappen and Isack Hadjar conserved soft tyres for qualifying.
- Russell faces a grid penalty due to a new power unit installation following his retirement in Malaysia, necessitating a start from the back of the grid, prompting Mercedes to run different strategies between their drivers.
- Charles Leclerc closely trailed Russell by just 0.198 seconds on soft tyres, with Lando Norris and Lewis Hamilton also showing strong pace in the top five.
- Max Verstappen was fastest on medium tyres and showed immediate speed on hard tyres early in the session, while Antonelli encountered a lock-up on mediums, finishing seventh overall.
- Nico Hulkenberg experienced an issue causing his Audi to stop at the pit lane exit mid-session, and several drivers reported challenges with car balance and braking confidence during the practice.
