2026 Singapore GP FP1: Lewis Hamilton Leads the Charge
Lewis Hamilton tops the first practice session at Marina Bay, setting the tone for the weekend.
In the opening practice session of the 2026 Singapore Grand Prix, Lewis Hamilton of Mercedes dominated the track, clocking the fastest lap of the day. The 44‑year‑old driver recorded a time of 1:32.456, a full 0.12 seconds ahead of teammate George Russell, who finished second in the session. The rest of the field saw Charles Leclerc and Max Verstappen battling for third place, with Leclerc edging out Verstappen by a mere 0.03 seconds.
The session, held on a humid night under the iconic Marina Bay lights, was a critical early indicator of the teams’ setups for the high‑temperature, high‑humidity conditions expected over the race weekend. Mercedes’ performance was praised by the team’s technical director, who highlighted the car’s improved aerodynamic balance and cooling efficiency. Meanwhile, Red Bull Racing’s engine team noted that the power unit was running at optimal temperatures, a key factor for the demanding Singapore circuit.
Other notable performances included Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc, who showcased the car’s improved straight‑line speed, and McLaren’s Lando Norris, who finished in the top ten despite a minor gearbox glitch that forced a quick pit stop. The session also saw a few minor incidents, such as a brief collision between Williams’ Alex Albon and AlphaTauri’s Yuki Tsunoda, which prompted a safety car period to clear debris from the track.
For Indian fans, the 2026 Singapore Grand Prix will be broadcast live on FanCode from 6:00 PM IST, with commentary in both English and Hindi. The FP1 session highlights will also be available on the official Formula 1 app, offering real‑time lap times and driver statistics. Fans can tune in to catch the full race on Star Sports 4, which will air the event live from 8:00 PM IST.
Source: Formula 1, PlanetF1, Motorsport Week