Leclerc blots copybook; Vettel hits the barrier

Editor 14 Sep 2018 12:35 PM

Ferrari’s 2019 line-up, Charles Leclerc and Sebastian Vettel, got off to a less than ideal start at the Singapore Grand Prix weekend.

Here is how the first day of track action unfolded in Singapore…

Renault’s mechanics getting a lift to work with some great scenery and not so awesome music.

Our walk to work is a little different here for @F1NightRace… And we don't always get to choose what we listen to! 😂#RSspirit #SingaporeGP pic.twitter.com/r9Ms3q64yb

— Renault Sport F1 (@RenaultSportF1) September 14, 2018

Max Verstappen waits for the action to begin.

The afternoon’s opening lap time on the hypersoft tyres belonged to Sebastian Vettel. It was, however, soon beaten as the track rubbered up.

Williams made a few changes to Lance Stroll’s car after an early spin at Turn 1 for the Canadian.

It's all go down in the Williams garage ⚙️🛠🔩

Karun: "They seem to be changing the front brake drums, it seems to be a planned change. Williams have got a lot of flo-vis paint on the rear of both cars." 🎙

That's what free practice is for… 💁‍♂️#C4F1 🇸🇬 #SingaporeGP pic.twitter.com/DQZ1XGY4GK

— Channel 4 F1® (@C4F1) September 14, 2018

He was joined on the list of spinners by Sergio Perez, who got it wrong at Turn 20.

Perez is the next driver to spin in the Force India, as the drivers continue to push the limits in the first practice session of the weekend 😕

Just like Stroll and Bottas, he manages to avoid the walls and safely returns to the pits 😌#C4F1 🇸🇬 #SingaporeGP pic.twitter.com/fbwQFkO8Zw

— Channel 4 F1® (@C4F1) September 14, 2018

Lewis Hamilton had a spell up in P1 but also made a few mistakes including running off the track.

Esteban Ocon eyeing the seat next door…?

The sun began to set… and McLaren played with their camera filters.

Stunning shots from sunset. 👌 #SingaporeGP pic.twitter.com/Wm6OLQBhMg

— McLaren (@McLarenF1) September 14, 2018

Kimi Raikkonen went the wrong way up a one way and struggled to get back out.

Yellow flags fluttering as Kimi locks up at Turn 18 and runs off track #SingaporeGP 🇸🇬 #F1 pic.twitter.com/dF9S1CMiKa

— Formula 1 (@F1) September 14, 2018

The weekend’s first P1 belonged to Daniel Ricciardo with a 1:39.711.

A late crash for Charles Leclerc, who made a mistake as he exited the Anderson bridge. He misjudged, hit the wall and broke his Sauber.

Leclerc hits the wall on the exit of the bridge and breaks the front right
P1 is LIVE NOW on Sky Sports F1
📺 Sky Go: https://t.co/fxH131oxfk
🗒️ Blog: https://t.co/SzGssXnjAZ #SkyF1 #F1 #SingaporeGP pic.twitter.com/Nv7LEKufhi

— Sky Sports F1 🏎 (@SkySportsF1) September 14, 2018

Conditions in FP2 were much more representative of what is to come over the rest of the weekend at Marina Bay.

*Heart eyes emojis forever*#SingaporeGP 🇸🇬 #F1 pic.twitter.com/LMYeUTKh8k

— Formula 1 (@F1) September 14, 2018

Just as the action restarted, Mercedes announced ex-F1 driver Pascal Wehrlein would be leaving the programme at the end of the 2018 season.

FP2 picked up where FP1 left off as Red Bull and Ferrari battled it out for top spot in the early stages under the lights.

Vettel, meanwhile just about avoided a major collision with the wall on his first qualifying sim lap. But a leak from his car severely hindered his FP2 programme.

Vettel skims the wall on a hot lap, and immediately dives into the pits 👀#SingaporeGP 🇸🇬 #F1 pic.twitter.com/1eH6BoZVXR

— Formula 1 (@F1) September 14, 2018

Lance Stroll found FP2 conditions a little too hot…

Stroll's on fire! 🔥

No, we don't mean he's really quick. He is literally on fire… well his right-rear brake is anyway 😯

The Williams racer limps back to the pits and his mechanics immediately douse the flames 👨‍🚒🚒#C4F1 🇸🇬 #SingaporeGP pic.twitter.com/rRmlLJPYxb

— Channel 4 F1® (@C4F1) September 14, 2018

And there was just enough time for another spin out – this time it was Marcus Ericsson at Turn 5.