Heavy rain arrived shortly before the start of the Singapore Grand Prix Sprint, with Ferrari caught in an awkward pre-race moment as Charles Leclerc’s car remained exposed longer than those of rival teams. While teams around the Marina Bay grid moved quickly to place large protective covers over their cars, Ferrari was among the last to shelter the Monegasque driver’s SF-26.
The rain was not a brief or light shower. Conditions worsened enough for teams to take immediate precautions around the cars, increasing the attention on Ferrari’s delayed response. Charles Leclerc’s car was eventually covered, and there was no indication from the available information that the exposure had caused any problem beyond the car getting wet.
Heavy rain arrives before Singapore Sprint start
The weather changed rapidly before the Sprint, adding another layer of uncertainty to an already demanding weekend at Marina Bay. Rain falling immediately before the start can alter track conditions quickly, particularly on a street circuit where grip levels are already sensitive to temperature, surface changes and standing water.
At that stage, however, the clearest development was simply the intensity of the rainfall and the reaction across the grid. Teams brought out large gazebo-style covers designed to protect the cars and working areas while they waited for the start procedures to continue.
Ferrari was noticeably later than its rivals in placing that protection over Charles Leclerc’s car. Although the delay attracted attention, there was no evidence of damage or a technical issue resulting from the car being exposed to the rain for longer than the others.
Ferrari’s late cover draws attention around Charles Leclerc
The incident was more unusual than serious. Formula 1 cars routinely operate in wet conditions, and the available information suggested that Charles Leclerc’s Ferrari was expected to be fine despite getting wet before the cover was finally put in place.
What made the moment stand out was the contrast with the rest of the grid. Other teams had already moved to shield their cars while Ferrari was still waiting, briefly leaving the SF-26 exposed as the rain continued to fall heavily.
Singapore weather becomes the immediate focus
The heavier rainfall naturally shifted attention towards the track itself. Marina Bay is already one of the most demanding venues on the Formula 1 calendar because of its narrow layout, barriers and limited margin for error, and changing weather can make the surface even more unpredictable.
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