Singapore – Live Qualifying

Three-team race for Pole Position?

Dominant since the kickoff in Melbourne, the Mercedes drivers have only let go of pole position once on a Saturday in 2016. On Saturday, May 28, Daniel Ricciardo ended the Anglo-German team’s hegemony by achieving a brilliant performance on the legendary Monaco street circuit. Everything suggests that the Red Bull team will be just as strong on today’s street circuit!

Terribly demanding circuit, the Singapore Grand Prix perfectly matches the characteristics of the car designed by Adrian Newey. Tire warming is crucial and aerodynamic support plays a big role in the Southeast Asian city-state. Based on the first sessions that have taken place so far, Max Verstappen, first in FP1, seems to be the main challenger to Nico Rosberg, who was first in FP2 and FP3. Benefiting from an improved Renault engine, the young driver finished ahead of his teammate each time and was only 0.059″ behind the German driver in FP3.

However, we must also not forget the two Ferraris. On pole in 2015, Sebastian Vettel seems somewhat behind his teammate Kimi Räikkönen at the moment, who was 0.275 seconds behind Nico Rosberg at the end of the second practice session, a true reference point compared to the Qualifying, held at a relatively similar time (9 p.m. local time). But the German’s skill in the flying lap exercise (three poles already secured in Singapore) and the good form of his machine could lead to a pleasant surprise for the Reds, both for him and for “Iceman” as well.

Will Lewis Hamilton return to business?

In all this, it should not be forgotten to consider Lewis Hamilton, who has so far tested his braking system without achieving a truly significant lap time. Beaten by Rosberg in FP2 (6th) and FP3 (8th), the world championship leader, and three-time poleman here, would be well advised not to lose too much ground this afternoon if he doesn’t want to be dethroned from the lead tomorrow night. Let’s remember that only two points currently separate the two men in the standings.

Force India, Toro Rosso… or another team for the fourth row?

Behind, the other teams will certainly battle for the honorable places. Force India and especially Toro Rosso (on the verge of returning to form after several disappointing races) appear to be the teams closest to such a performance.

Further ahead, will Romain Grosjean finally experience a successful session after a disastrous start to the weekend?

All the answers to these unknowns will be included in our live commentary. Feel free to react with any questions alongside the session!