Marina Bay FP1 telemetry: Ferrari shows mechanical promise but runs a more aggressive engine map. FP1 at the Singapore GP shows Ferrari with a solid mechanical balance.

The first signs from Singapore GP FP1 reveal Ferrari running a more aggressive engine map, while Red Bull and McLaren are more conservative. The opening session allowed all teams to complete their programs without major issues on the Marina Bay circuit. The data and footage provided an early glimpse into the weekend’s technical themes, though it’s clear that much remains to be discovered.

Alonso benefits from optimal track conditions

Fernando Alonso surprised by setting the fastest time in his Aston Martin. While the Stroll-led team has shown good baseline balance and peak downforce during the season, Alonso’s performance appears largely influenced by track evolution. Heavy rain in the days leading up to the weekend left the track quickly improving in grip as cars laid down rubber and cleaned debris. Alonso’s lap timing, ahead of competitors starting their race simulations, ensured better adhesion, particularly under braking, giving him the edge for the top position. Notably, the top five drivers were still covered by just 0.35 seconds.

Alonso also maximized his technique by approaching nearly all corners with a “V” line, braking late and deeply while minimizing time in the corner, then accelerating strongly on exit. With Aston Martin using Mercedes rear components, it’s unsurprising that the focus was on minimizing lateral loads and maximizing longitudinal traction. This strategy complicates direct performance comparison with rivals, which is why Leclerc was used as a reference in the analysis, despite finishing second.

Ferrari shows promising mechanical balance, engine remains a question

Ferrari started the weekend promisingly, with both Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton posting solid times. Caution is still necessary given the SF-25’s disappointing pace so far. Leclerc’s data highlighted a strong mechanical base, especially in the central sector with slow, close corners. Beyond that, the gap to Verstappen and Piastri grows in a nearly linear fashion, suggesting Ferrari is running a slightly more aggressive engine map than competitors, as seen multiple times this season. Generally high ride heights benefit Maranello in maintaining proximity to the top teams, but the weekend remains long, and McLaren and Red Bull still appear to have untapped performance.

Red Bull perfects balance, McLaren remains conservative

Red Bull’s new front wing shows the team’s ongoing battle with high-load understeer, likely resolved with the updated floor introduced at Monza. Singapore will test this setup, especially with high-downforce rear wings potentially stressing the front. Initial feedback on balance was positive, and the Honda Power Unit continues to deliver conservative power output, suggesting a significant performance boost may arrive on Saturday, dependent on strong balance in FP2. McLaren, on the other hand, appears conservative with their engine, focusing less on peak power than on pure traction, which is critical for lap times.

The MCL39 has shown no traction issues this season, indicating the McLaren team still has significant performance potential. In medium-speed corners around 150 km/h, Oscar Piastri consistently holds a margin throughout the lap, demonstrating the car’s strong medium-to-slow corner downforce despite a soft mechanical setup. Beyond driver errors, the impression is that McLaren will again set the benchmark, with Red Bull’s performance remaining an unknown factor, and Ferrari yet to confirm consistent pace throughout the weekend. The next step will be FP2, where conditions more closely resemble qualifying and the race, providing valuable race simulation data.