Seven-times world champion Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton beat everyone, including Dutchman Max Verstappen, overall leader, in the first free practice round of the Formula One Singapore Grand Prix on Friday as he looked for his first win of the season. .
This is the first time that Hamilton has excelled in a test session this season, while Verstappen’s Red Bull driver, who celebrates his 25th birthday, finished second by 0.084 seconds. Monaco’s Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc finished third in the Tour.
Verstappen enters the next race in Singapore under the floodlights in a very comfortable position, hoping to win the title for the second time in a row.
The Singapore Grand Prix returns to the championship program after being canceled in the previous two years due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
To retain the title, Verstappen, who has won 11 wins this season, including the last five in a row, will have to win the race on Sunday, at least 22 points clear of Leclerc and at least 13 points over Mexican Sergio Perez, his Red Bull teammate.
Mercedes is also seeking its first victory of the season.