Singapore GP practice highlights: Alonso fastest as Albon’s Williams catches fire

Introduction to the Singapore Grand Prix first practice session

The Singapore Grand Prix, a unique night race on the Formula 1 calendar, kicked off its first practice session with unexpected results. Fernando Alonso of Aston Martin topped the timesheets, surprising many given McLaren’s historical strength on the Marina Bay Street Circuit. Meanwhile, drama unfolded as Alex Albon’s Williams suffered a brake fire, cutting his session short and raising concerns ahead of qualifying and the race.

Fernando Alonso’s impressive pace and implications

Alonso’s fastest lap of 1:31.116 came late in the session, benefiting from better track conditions and potentially lighter fuel loads. This marks his first time topping a practice session this season, underscoring Aston Martin’s growing competitiveness. With the 2026 season possibly being Alonso’s last in F1, this performance adds momentum to his campaign.

Behind Alonso, Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc was a close second, just 0.150 seconds behind. McLaren’s Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris, expected to excel here, were fifth and sixth, suggesting a competitive weekend ahead but not a guaranteed dominance for the Woking outfit.

Competitive landscape: Verstappen, Hamilton, and rookie performances

Max Verstappen, third fastest, remains a formidable force despite Singapore being the only circuit where he hasn’t won yet. Having closed his championship points gap from 104 to 69 over seven rounds, this race is critical if he hopes to mount a late-season comeback. Lewis Hamilton secured fourth, showing solid pace for Mercedes and Ferrari respectively.

Notably, rookie Isack Hadjar impressed with a seventh-place finish on a circuit he had never driven before, underscoring his rapid adaptation and potential future impact in the sport.

Alex Albon’s Williams brake fire: technical details and consequences

Williams faced a setback as Alex Albon’s Williams car caught fire due to rear brake overheating caused by a hardware failure. This issue, linked to the brake-by-wire system and ERS integration, echoes previous brake troubles the team encountered earlier in the season, like Carlos Sainz’s inability to start the Austrian GP.

While Williams engineers expect to resolve the issue in time for second practice, Albon missed valuable track time that could affect his qualifying preparation. The incident highlights ongoing reliability challenges for Williams, which could impact their performance consistency this season.

The significance of Singapore GP practice sessions

First practice sessions in Singapore are run during the day, contrasting with the cooler, night-time qualifying and race conditions. This means timesheets often don’t reflect the real competitive order. Teams use this session primarily for setup work and gathering data to optimise performance under race conditions.

Second and third practices provide a clearer picture of the running order, with teams adjusting their strategies based on tyre wear, fuel loads, and track grip changes. Fans looking to gauge form should watch these sessions closely, and Sky Sports F1 will broadcast comprehensive coverage throughout the weekend.

How the Singapore GP fits into the wider F1 championship battle

With seven races remaining in the 2025 season, every point is crucial. Verstappen’s recent wins have narrowed the gap to championship leader, but circuits like Singapore, with its narrow, twisty layout, often produce unpredictable results. A strong performance here could swing momentum dramatically.

Meanwhile, McLaren’s challenge to the front runners continues, although their practice times suggest they may need to refine their approach to maximise pace on this street circuit. The unique demands of Singapore, with its combination of high humidity and technical corners, test drivers’ skill and teams’ tactical acumen alike.

Looking ahead: key sessions and viewing information

The Singapore GP schedule includes multiple practice sessions, qualifying, and the main race from 3pm on Sunday. For those keen to stay updated, Sky Sports F1 provides live coverage and expert analysis. Fans without Sky can stream races live via NOW, offering flexible, no-contract viewing options.

For enthusiasts interested in other sports schedules and highlights, Sportsscoop offers in-depth coverage such as the Darts 2025 schedule and key tournament highlights and detailed football updates like Follow your favourite football club with BBC Sport.

Conclusion: What to expect from the Singapore GP weekend

The opening practice session at the Singapore GP has set an intriguing tone for the weekend. Fernando Alonso’s top time signals Aston Martin’s potential threat, while Alex Albon’s brake fire reminds us of the mechanical challenges teams face. As the championship battle intensifies, the Marina Bay Street Circuit offers a dramatic backdrop for what promises to be an exciting race under the lights.

Fans should watch for evolving team strategies and driver performances in upcoming sessions. With unpredictability a hallmark of Singapore, the weekend could deliver surprises impacting the 2025 F1 championship race.