Mercedes optimistic Singapore Grand Prix structure will swimsuit Lewis Hamilton and George Russell’s 2023 F1 automobile

The Singapore GP will function a brand new observe structure this 12 months, with 4 of the corners within the closing sector eliminated; it’s nonetheless a circuit that can swimsuit automobiles that are sturdy with their excessive downforce package deal; watch each session from the Singapore GP stay on Sky Sports activities F1

Mercedes are “optimistic” the observe structure on the Singapore Grand Prix will swimsuit their automobile as they appear to bounce again into the rostrum combat.

Ferrari have been the crew closest to Pink Bull final day trip at Monza, whereas George Russell and Lewis Hamilton maximised the tempo of their automobile to complete fifth and sixth.

Monza is sort of a whole distinction to the streets of Singapore, which depends extra on excessive downforce and mechanical grip.

“There’s a motive to suppose that the automobile will work higher and that’s as a result of Singapore is a most downforce circuit,” defined Mercedes trackside engineering director Andrew Shovlin.

“Our efficiency on the excessive downforce tracks like at Barcelona, Budapest, and even Zandvoort the automobile was working properly, and we have had fairly sturdy efficiency.

“We’re hoping to have the ability to be a bit faster there and get again to a place the place we will problem for podiums. The observe although does throw up some fairly distinctive challenges and we have additionally acquired some structure modifications for this 12 months. There’s a sequence of 4 corners close to the top of the lap which have been eliminated the place the observe used to go beneath a grandstand by way of a tunnel.

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Talking on the Sky Sports activities F1 Podcast, Nico Rosberg reveals the intense bodily problem drivers face throughout a race weekend in Singapore

“That is now gone so we have got an extended straight which is able to change somewhat bit how the tyres are working. There’s a bit much less vitality there but it surely’s additionally an abrasive tarmac. We have the softest three compounds so it is a fairly robust race on the tyres and it is also a bumpy avenue circuit.

“Added to that, the race is run at night time. Loads of challenges for us to try to sort out then however we’re going there optimistic for a robust efficiency.”

Wolff: We must be cautious with predictions

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Pink Bull crew principal Christian Horner responds to Lewis Hamilton’s declare that Max Verstappen has not had the problem of racing towards sturdy team-mates

Mercedes are second within the constructors’ championship, 45 factors forward of Ferrari and 56 factors in entrance of Aston Martin forward of this weekend’s Singapore Grand Prix.

Hamilton and Russell haven’t featured on the rostrum because the British Grand Prix in mid-July, however have proven sturdy in Hungary and Zandvoort – tracks which rely much less on straight line velocity.

Group principal Toto Wolff says Mercedes are “making enhancements” and is hoping to be on Pink Bull’s tail in Singapore.

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Lewis Hamilton says he was at fault for his collision with Oscar Piastri throughout the Italian Grand Prix and he went to apologise to the Australian after the race

“From final 12 months into this 12 months we have to be cautious with our predictions. We might go ‘excessive downforce, hurray, we’ll be proper behind Pink Bull subsequent week’ however we do not know, that is the reality,” he mentioned.

“The groups from second to sixth might be fairly shut collectively – that is us, Ferrari and McLaren and Aston Martin. However we’re persistently scoring with two automobiles, we’re solidly second within the championship, hopefully quickly third within the drivers’ championship with Lewis, so we’re delivering the very best job contemplating the automobile’s lack of efficiency.”

Sky Sports activities F1’s stay Singapore GP schedule

Friday 15 September
10am: Singapore GP Apply One (session begins at 10.30pm)
1.45pm: Singapore GP Apply Two (session begins at 2pm)
3.30pm: The F1 Present

Saturday 16 September
10.15am: Singapore GP Apply Three (session begins at 10.30am)
1pm: Singapore GP Qualifying build-up
2pm: Singapore GP Qualifying
3.45pm: Ted’s Qualifying Pocket book

Sunday 17 September
11.30pm: Grand Prix Sunday: Singapore GP build-up
1pm: THE SINGAPORE GRAND PRIX
3pm: Chequered Flag: Singapore GP response
4pm: Ted’s Pocket book

Subsequent up for the F1 circus are the beautiful streets of Singapore below the lights. All classes from the Singapore GP can be stay on Sky Sports activities F1 from September 15-17. Stream F1 on Sky Sports with NOW. Cancel anytime