Singapore GP: Is it Mercedes vs Red Bull or can Ferrari join fight?
Mercedes are ready for a fierce conflict with Red Bull in the Singapore GP but are likewise not counting out Ferrari, though the Scuderia believe they will“struggle“ beneath the amazing Marina Bay lights.
Formula 1 is heading into Singapore because of the marquee nighttime race this weekend, with every session live on Sky Sports F1, along with Mercedes, following Ferrari’s back-to-back successes in the power-friendly Spa and Monza, anticipate to be better suited to the iconic street circuit – with won at comparable low-speed, high-downforce paths this year.
But Red Bull are also perennial contenders in Singapore – finishing since 2009 – when Lewis Hamilton was pushed of the way in Monaco and Hungary 2019 by them, with Max Verstappen on rod in Budapest.
Hamilton, who holds a 63-point lead to the championship heading to F1 2019 seven races, will be relishing more of the same and has had conflicts with Verstappen, in addition to Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc, lately.
„I am not excited about another race believing it will swing our way,“ said Hamilton, who lost out in wheel-to-wheel combat when hurrying Leclerc in the GP.
„I hope it is competitive between us I want this battle to continue.“
Mercedes boss Toto Wolff is braced to function as the Silver Arrows‘ threat in Singapore – but states Ferrari will be a rival, despite the Italian ensemble’s previous lack of pace at circuits with no straights.
„We knew that Spa and Monza could be challenging for us,“ Wolff said. „On paperwe need to be strong at Singapore – as should Red Bull be. If them are actually demolishing there, let’s see.
„However, I have no doubt that Ferrari will have learned and is going to have a fantastic package there, even better than Hungary.“
Ferrari’anticipate to struggle‘
Ferrari ended off a second off the pace. Ever since that time, Leclerc has claimed epic wins in Belgium and Italy, the latter.
However, Singapore is a very different proposal – no matter Mercedes‘ thoughts about the chances of Ferrari.
„We will need to keep realistic,“ insisted Leclerc. „I think we expected that Spa and Monza could be very excellent races for our vehicle but we know that the next few races are going to be far more difficult for our vehicle.
„It is not going to be easy. Particularly Singapore. I believe it’ll be a nice surprise when we’re much far better than what we anticipate – however what we expect – would be to struggle there.“
Ferrari chief Mattia Binotto agreed:“We understood [Spa and Monza] were tracks where we might have been competitive. Of course it wasn’t a given but it was important for us and they were more not to miss any opportunities as we did in the first portion of the season. Our car was happy.
„Whenever we can go to circuits in which there are a whole great deal of corners and at which grip-limited is very significant or maximum downforce is going to be asked to be rapid, we’re definitely showing our primary weakness.“
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