Singapore GP Recap:
Feeling the Heat at Marina Bay

23 September 2024

5 Min Read

There is never an easy weekend in Formula One, and our weekend at Marina Bay was proof of that.

Toto called it painful. It certainly wasn’t how the team had hoped to end the double-header under the lights in Singapore.

'Not What We Expect From Ourselves'

Having locked out the second row in Qualifying, we had hoped to race for at least a podium, and were in the perfect place to strike should chaos ensue ahead - as it had done in Baku seven days earlier.

But the target of silverware quickly became an uphill task after Lewis needed to box early from P3 and Oscar Piastri's McLaren was able to keep up with George before their first stops.

History dictated the Safety Car would make an appearance. It didn't, and both Lewis and George were left to toil with faster cars approaching behind, though the latter did well late on to protect P4 from Charles Leclerc's Ferrari at the flag.

"We took the wrong decision, and we took it jointly," said Toto afterwards.

"But it does not hide the fact that the car was too slow. We struggle at tracks that are hot and tough on the tyres, but that is no excuse.

"It is not what we expect from ourselves, and it is difficult to accept."

Friday Frowns to Saturday Smiles

Simply put, Friday was a challenge. Neither Lewis or George were happy with the outlook heading into Quali Saturday.

Occupying the second row - the best combined Quali result since Silverstone - was therefore some achievement, and a testament to the overnight simulator work back at Brackley.

Overnight sim work is the perfect example of teamwork in F1. With those in the Grand Prix time zone fast asleep, the factory is a hive of activity, looking to extract every tenth of performance possible.

Reserve driver Fred Vesti's stint with the sim team on Friday night helped move George and Lewis from the edge of the midfield to the second row.

For Lewis, it continued an incredible run of Qualifying inside the top five at every single Singapore Grand Prix.

Special Singapore GP Livery

A special weekend for our title and technical partner PETRONAS began on Wednesday, when we launched our special edition livery to celebrate the brand's 50^th anniversary at the race geographically closest to their headquarters in Kuala Lumpur.

Replacing the traditional silver on the front wing and sidepods of W15 was PETRONAS' iconic emerald green, which looked resplendent under the floodlights at Marina Bay.

Toto also headed to PETRONAS HQ on Thursday, and was taken on a tour of the PETRONAS Towers before meeting with former interns who began their careers with our team in Brackley.

On race day, we were honoured to be joined by Tan Sri Tengku Muhammad Taufik, PETRONAS President and Group Chief Executive Officer, and Tan Sri Dato' Mohd Bakke Salleh, PETRONAS Chairman.

LH 350

Another week, another milestone for Lewis, who became the second driver in F1 history to start 350 Grands Prix.

Starting the race in Singapore elevated Lewis in front of Kimi Raikkonen, behind only Fernando Alonso on the all-time list.

It was the fifth time Lewis had celebrated a milestone number with our team, after Malaysia 2015 (150), Belgium 2017 (200), Abu Dhabi 2019 (250), and France 2022 (300).

Stats Behind Lewis' Record-Breaking British GP Win

Singapore Silverware for Doriane

Another two trophies for Doriane Pin in her first F1 Academy campaign in Singapore, as the French racer claimed a pair of P3 finishes at Marina Bay.

It was the third podium in a row for the Iron Dames driver, and her sixth of the season.

At the beginning of the week, Doriane got the chance to show 2025 Mercedes F1 driver and fellow junior Kimi Antonelli around the F1 Academy paddock, as the 18-year-old Italian immersed himself in the series with fellow F2 PREMA driver Ollie Bearman.

Both Formula 2 and F1 Academy will next appear on the F1 support bill in Qatar at the start of December.

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