Singapore GP FP2 review: Ferrari SF24 with oversteer but strong on fast laps with mediums

Yesterday at 12:19 PM

Ferrari flexed its muscles in the first free practice session. Round 17 of the F1 season was quite interesting in several aspects. Singapore is a highly technical track where even the smallest detail can make a big difference. So far, the new front wing on the Ferrari has passed its initial test, with both drivers using it during the hour-long session. Data collection was extensive, along with studies on the basic setup using the Hard tires during the first run, where some understeer was noticeable. This characteristic was mainly due to the green track and hard tires.

Ferrari then switched to Soft tires to experience the extra grip of the red-marked Pirellis. In this competitive scenario, the SF-24 performed well, showing generally clean handling. Oversteer between the second and third sectors was minimal and well-controlled by both drivers. Interesting tests were conducted on the hybrid system to optimize energy recovery and improve traction. Acceleration phases still need improvement, as does corner entry, though lap times already looked promising.

During the final outing, both Ferraris took to the track with a high fuel load, returning to the Hard tires. This was a short run with plenty of fuel, and the SF-24’s behavior appeared consistent with the findings from the low-fuel runs. We observed a team highly focused and aware of its capabilities, capable of precisely evaluating the cars and promptly addressing any limiting factors. It was a very positive first approach, but it must be confirmed in the second free practice session.

Now let’s take a detailed look at how events unfolded for the Maranello team in the second free practice session for the Singapore GP:

Tire activation is critical at Marina Bay, and Ferrari is well aware of this. During FP1, some laps on Soft tires suffered from slight overheating due to imperfect hysteresis cycles, which limited traction between Turns 2 and 3. Only a few minutes remain before the green flag, with the drivers already in their cars. Weather update: air temperature is 30.1°C, track temperature is 33.5°C, humidity is 74%, and wind speed is 1.3 km/h from the south.

Both Ferrari drivers hit the track at night on the Medium tires, a compound not yet tested. Carlos Sainz’s car featured flow viz for “visual data collection” with a special green spray. As a result, DRS wasn’t used during this first run. Traffic was heavy, making it difficult to optimize tire activation. After the final corner, both drivers pushed without any issues.

Following the first lap, various engine map adjustments were made to push performance limits based on current track conditions. During the tire cooling lap, the drivers were asked several questions as the pit wall sought a detailed understanding of how the SF-24 behaved. Leclerc lifted off in Sector 2 due to some minor mistakes caused by excessive rotation, though nothing serious. However, this, combined with traffic, affected performance.

The engine map was switched to Engine 1 to test the full power of the 066/12 combustion engine. Carlos Sainz set the fastest time, followed by Leclerc, who also completed a clean lap a few minutes later, overtaking his teammate. With the engine running at maximum power, things improved. The session continued with a double cool-down lap, during which both drivers returned to the pit lane. Carlos Sainz performed a practice start at the end of the pit lane, while Leclerc requested and received more front downforce: “plus 2.”

In this first run on Medium tires, the Ferrari handled well. However, compared to FP1, excessive rotation was noticeable, which seemed to hinder the car slightly. How to correct this trait remains to be seen. Carlos openly discussed the overbalance issue on the radio, which likely stemmed from the effort to eliminate understeer. As a result, the team made a small adjustment to the setup before heading back out for the next run. Shortly after, they returned to the track to test the Soft tires.

Both SF-24s left the pit lane on a set of red-marked Pirellis. It would be interesting to see how they performed with the extra grip of the most competitive compound. Charles hit the track first and brushed the wall in Turn 14 during his flying lap. He mentioned it over the radio and requested a sensor check to ensure there was no damage to his car. He didn't push to the maximum on this lap but still posted a time comparable to McLaren's. He then opted for a double cool-down lap to manage the tire temperatures.

Leclerc also requested more front downforce, “plus 2,” to further balance his car. Sainz, meanwhile, struggled to maximize his handling, making a few errors. Traffic remained a nuisance for everyone, including the two Ferrari drivers. This time, Sainz chose to reduce front downforce to better manage the oversteer that bothered him during his last lap. Meanwhile, Leclerc repeated his performance before heading back to the pits.

Bryan Bozzi suggested another run to his driver, but Charles Leclerc opted to enter the pit lane instead. Sainz launched for another attempt but aborted it, going long before entering the pit lane. He radioed the team, noting something strange with the brakes. Summing up the fast lap simulation on Soft tires, the handling was very similar to FP1, although the understeer had shifted to oversteer. Ferrari tends to prefer oversteer compared to a lack of rotation.

No time was wasted with the engineers, and the drivers were soon back on the Marina Bay circuit, this time for race simulation tests. Charles Leclerc hit the track first on yellow-marked Pirelli tires, followed by Carlos Sainz two minutes later with the same configuration. The high-fuel runs started off well, and both drivers seemed satisfied with the balance, especially Leclerc, who appeared comfortable behind the wheel.

Excessive rotation was more visible on car #55 during the fast laps. This will likely lead to some setup changes on Carlos's car, while Leclerc seems to have found the settings he wanted for his SF-24. The high-fuel tests were somewhat fragmented due to traffic, preventing all the drivers from maintaining a stable rhythm. Nonetheless, the data gathered was quite valuable. For the final two laps, Ferrari switched to Engine 1 mode to test the car’s performance under high fuel loads with more engine power.

With higher revs, the lap times for the Ferraris dropped. Charles Leclerc, running on Medium tires, posted times comparable to those of Lando Norris, who was on red-marked Pirellis. However, it's important to remember something crucial in Singapore: whoever starts from pole will dictate the pace, with the rest of the field following closely behind until approaching the planned single pit stop. Tire wear will be minimal. Ferrari showed a well-balanced car during FP2. Now we wait for the fine-tuning in the third free practice session to perfect the details that will make the difference in qualifying.

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