This archive report was first published on 21 September 2019.
Published on September 21, 2019, Ferrari's Charles Leclerc made a strong statement in the final practice session for the Singapore Grand Prix, setting a blistering pace that left his rivals in awe.
Leclerc, in his rookie season with Ferrari, has been on a roll, winning the last two races on high-power layouts. He continued his impressive form in Singapore, recording a 1:38.192 second lap around the Marina Bay Street Circuit with a faultless drive.
Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton, the championship leader and race favourite, struggled to match Leclerc's pace. The Briton spun on cold tyres when leaving the pits and ran into traffic, ultimately finishing 0.207 seconds behind Leclerc.
Leclerc's teammate Sebastian Vettel showed improved form, crossing the line 0.619 seconds off the pace, marginally ahead of Valtteri Bottas in the second Mercedes.
Red Bull, considered the main rivals to Mercedes, had a disappointing session, with Alex Albon and Max Verstappen finishing fifth and sixth fastest, more than a second behind the lead Ferrari.
