How Friday practice at the F1 2023 Singapore GP unfolded

Relive all of the F1 action from Friday practice at the Singapore Grand Prix here.

15 Sep 2023
11:22
Ten minutes to go

With most drivers setting times on the soft tyre now, its the Ferrari duo of Leclerc and Sainz at the top.

They lead from Verstappen, Norris, Hamilton, Russell, Perez, Alonso, Tsunoda, and Ocon to round out the top 10. 

11:20
Another lizard?

There's another yellow flag on track and Sainz confirms to us there's another lizard at turn 3.

Clearly some huge F1 fans among the Singaporean lizard community...

11:16
Early action for the new Williams livery

Logan Sargeant (USA) Williams Racing FW45. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 16, Singapore Grand Prix, Marina Bay Street
Logan Sargeant (USA) Williams Racing FW45. Formula 1 World Championship,…

11:14
Leclerc fastest

It's Charles Leclerc who goes fastest with Verstappen a tenth shy in P2.

Of course we don't know about fuel levels or strategies, but we are reminded by the commentary that Max hasn't been as confident coming into this weekend.

11:10
Back to racing

Right then, back to the racing action...

With 20 minutes to go, Norris is back in P1 after Sainz momentarily dismantled him on the soft tyre.

Behind the Ferrari are the two Mercedes of Russell and Hamilton in P3 and P4, who are also trying out the soft.

Verstappen is just starting his first lap on the red striped compound. Watch this space...

11:08
The lizard in question...
11:06
Lizard on the track!

After some confusion as to why yellow flags were out, a lizard has been spotted by the cameras and Max Verstappen!

'Smaller than last time', laughs Max on the radio.

11:04
Halfway point

With half an hour to go in the first practice session, it's still Lando Norris in P1 on the medium.

Gasly and Magnussen have both put laps in in the soft tyre to get themselves up to P2 and P4, with the top 10: NOR, GAS, RUS, MAG, LEC, OCO, PER, BOT, HAM, SAI. 

10:58
Finding the limits...
10:54
Lando still top with 20 gone

With under two thirds of the session to go, Norris still leads the timesheets on the medium tyre from Perez and Hamilton.

While those around him are on the hard, it seems the McLaren's upgrades are working well for the Brit. 

10:50
Danny Ric back in the paddock
10:48
More oversteer for Max

Verstappen again complains of sliding as he sits fourth on the timesheets.

His teammate Sergio Perez went wide moments before, who has also had complaints on the radio about being seated too low in his RB19 - a common issue at street circuits for drivers.

10:46
Ferraris fastest

Sainz and Leclerc now leapfrog Norris, as we reach the 1:35s.

Interesting to note the current lap times are already seven or eight seconds faster than last year's FP1 session, as a result of the updated track layout.

10:42
Norris top after 10

It's been a busy opening 10 minutes of FP1 with Lance Stroll the only driver not to take to track.

Lando Norris tops the timesheets with a 1:35.7 on the medium tyre.

10:41
Early complaints for Max

'A lot of oversteer in every corner, basically', exclaims Verstappen, as he also mentions an issue when downshifting. 

10:39
Possible issue for Zhou

'Something smells a little bit smokey', Zhou Guanyu tells his engineer.

F1's only ever Chinese driver signed a contract renewal with his Alfa Romeo team going into this weekend, which will see him back on the grid in 2024.

10:37
A couple go wide

In curse of the commentator fashion, Alonso goes slightly wide at the first chicane. Lando Norris follows suit in his McLaren as he battles a big snap of oversteer.

10:35
Alonso aiming 'sky high'

Ted Kravitz says Fernando Alonso is aiming 'sky high' this weekend, as the Spaniard is getting to grips with his upgraded Aston Martin on the hard tyre.

10:32
FP1 is underway!

The drivers take to the Marina Bay Circuit for the first time this weekend.

10:31
Some key info
  • C3, C4 and C5 in use on the tyre front.
  • Track updates mean we will see a 62nd lap of racing on Sunday, as opposed to the usual 61.
10:22
Not long to go in sunny Singapore...
10:15
Upgrades!

Get familiar with all the upgrades for this weekend, as almost every team is looking to take the next step. 

Mercedes AMG F1 W14 front wings. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 16, Singapore Grand Prix, Marina Bay Street Circuit,
Mercedes AMG F1 W14 front wings. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 16,…

10:06
Welcome!

Hello and welcome to the live blog of today's first free practice session at the Singapore Grand Prix!

Stick around for updates on all of Friday's action, with FP1 officially commencing at 10:30am UK time. 

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