Hamilton 'Quite Happy' with Ferrari's Progress in Singapore Practice

Lewis Hamilton has expressed satisfaction with Ferrari's performance during the practice sessions at the Singapore Grand Prix, noting significant progress between sessions despite finishing 10th in FP2. He believes the team is moving in the right direction, setting the stage for a competitive weekend.

Why it matters:

Ferrari's pursuit of consistent performance is crucial for challenging the top teams. Hamilton's positive assessment, even after a chaotic FP2, suggests the team is finding its rhythm on a demanding circuit known for exposing car weaknesses. This could be a pivotal race in their season as they aim to consolidate their position among the frontrunners.

The Details:

• Hamilton finished FP1 in fourth place, two positions ahead of his teammate Charles Leclerc, who placed ninth in FP2 after a pit-lane incident with Lando Norris.
• This marks Hamilton's first experience driving a Ferrari at the Marina Bay Street Circuit, a track he has observed for years. He described the experience as "positive," noting, "It's the first time I got to feel that today and it was positive."
• Progressive Setup: Hamilton highlighted the team's ability to make "steps forward today" between sessions, indicating a strong understanding of the car's setup and potential. He anticipates minimal overnight changes, focusing instead on refining the existing setup.
  • He aims to "extract a little bit more to get as close as we can to the McLarens," acknowledging the strong pace of their rivals.
• The FP2 session was marked by a pit lane collision involving Leclerc and Norris, attributed to a "combination of things" causing confusion over their pit exit timings. Hamilton managed to secure 10th fastest in this session.

Between the lines:

Hamilton's comments reflect a growing confidence within the Ferrari garage. Despite not topping the timesheets, the focus on incremental gains and understanding the car's behavior on a challenging street circuit suggests a methodical approach. His quick adaptation to the Ferrari on a new track also bodes well for his integration into the team and their future development.

What's next:

Ferrari will continue to refine its setup and strategy overnight, aiming to maximize performance for qualifying. Resolving minor reliability or setup issues and optimizing tire management will be key to securing strong grid positions. The team's ability to translate this practice progress into qualifying and race performance will be a crucial indicator of their championship aspirations this season.