The new front wing combined with the updated floor has pushed the RB21 close to the pace of the MCL39, which is fast but cannot afford mistakes under pressure. Ferrari, meanwhile, faces setup issues that need correction.
FP2 in Singapore: fragmented and tricky, but still revealing
The second free practice session at the Singapore Grand Prix was far more chaotic and theoretically harder to interpret than FP1, with numerous red-flag interruptions due to various incidents. This fragmented the running program for all teams, but some particularly interesting performance indicators still emerged.
McLaren comfortable, but drivers must push
The first strong impression is that the team leading both championships—and likely poised to close out the Constructors’ Championship in Marina Bay—has the speed and performance seen all season. The MCL39, in the hands of Oscar Piastri, is quick on traction, stable under braking, and the best in medium-to-slow corners, confirming enormous aerodynamic downforce applied even at lower speeds, with higher ride heights and a soft suspension setup. These are characteristics seen repeatedly throughout the season, alongside excellent tire management even in high temperatures. However, on a circuit like Singapore, technical advantage alone is not enough: every corner is a challenge, and every kerb missed costs precious time. This is reflected in Lando Norris’ radio message: “I’m half a second off pace, but it’s not the car—it’s my driving that’s half a second off,” confirming that, despite the car’s strengths, there is no room to relax for the two title contenders, especially with Verstappen increasing the pressure with Red Bull’s latest upgrades.
Red Bull’s Friday strategy pays off
Although Piastri topped the times at the end of FP2, Red Bull’s plan with Verstappen appeared highly effective. The new front wing delivered the expected results when paired with the updated floor, and the RB21 showed excellent balance throughout the session. The floor increased overall downforce efficiently and allowed greater flexibility in adjusting balance toward the front. Marina Bay is a true test in this regard, requiring a high-downforce rear wing and risking the chronic understeer that has troubled the Milton Keynes car all season. However, Verstappen experienced very little understeer, especially in FP2, with the RB21 feeling quick, nimble on kerbs, and responsive to his inputs. Overall, the car’s performance was close to McLaren’s, meaning Red Bull could realistically pressure the Woking team, which cannot afford mistakes on a circuit that punishes them. Engine mode remains conservative on Honda power in mid-speed ranges, leaving room for further development for Verstappen.
Ferrari struggles but has potential; watch Aston Martin and Racing Bulls
The troubled session also disrupted Ferrari’s plans, with errors and issues affecting their drivers. Charles Leclerc ultimately set a lap slightly faster than Lewis Hamilton, although the Briton seemed more in tune with the track than with his car. The SF-25 was particularly difficult to drive, with constant rear snap over mid- and exit-corners, forcing aborted laps and overheating the rear tires, reducing traction—a critical aspect at Singapore. Ferrari continues to run less downforce than the leaders, reflecting an aerodynamic concept that has not evolved, and a series of setup choices between FP1 and FP2 left the car nervous as conditions changed. According to Leclerc, there is a clear understanding of how to bring the setup closer to the optimal window, though only FP3 remains to test it under less representative daytime conditions. There is still a gap to the frontrunners, but with good work, Leclerc and Hamilton could aim to be the third force on track, potentially competing with a strong Aston Martin, which pushes harder on engine power on Fridays, and the Racing Bulls, which recently reached the podium at Zandvoort with Hadjar and seems to have found a favorable setup window again in Singapore.
Qualifying showdown ahead
It will be interesting to see how setups and performances evolve in FP3 and, most importantly, during qualifying. Verstappen looks ready to challenge Piastri and Norris, adding pressure on a track where every small mistake carries a heavy cost.
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