Singapore Grand Prix: George Russell fastest from Charles Leclerc in only practice session
Mercedes driver George Russell set the fastest time in the only practice session for the 2026 Singapore Grand Prix. Russell, who will start the race from the back due to an engine penalty, tested an older car specification while teammate Kimi Antonelli trialed a new aerodynamic package.
Why it matters
The session provides critical data for Mercedes as they evaluate a new upgrade package intended to improve their competitive standing in the 2026 F1 season.
Image source, PA Media Image caption, George Russell will be starting from the back of the grid in Sunday's Singapore Grand Prix because of a penalty for taking a new engine
F1 Correspondent in Singapore Published 9 October 2026, 10:45 BST Mercedes driver George Russell led Ferrari's Charles Leclerc in practice at the Singapore Grand Prix.
A late lap from Leclerc, who was 0.198 seconds off Russell's pace, split up what had been an all-British top three.
McLaren's Lando Norris was third fastest, 0.273secs behind Russell, and Ferrari's Lewis Hamilton fourth, 0.499secs off the pace.
The top five, concluded by McLaren's Oscar Piastri, were all on the soft-compound tyres, while Red Bull's Max Verstappen was the fastest driver using medium tyres in sixth place.
The four-time champion was 0.732secs off the pace and 0.519secs quicker than Mercedes' Kimi Antonelli behind him in seventh, also on the medium tyres.
Also covering this story
2 other newsrooms covered this event. We read each version separately.
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