How Friday practice at the F1 2023 Singapore GP unfolded

With most drivers setting times on the soft tyre now, its the Ferrari duo of Leclerc and Sainz at the top.

They lead from Verstappen, Norris, Hamilton, Russell, Perez, Alonso, Tsunoda, and Ocon to round out the top 10. 

There's another yellow flag on track and Sainz confirms to us there's another lizard at turn 3.

Clearly some huge F1 fans among the Singaporean lizard community...

It's Charles Leclerc who goes fastest with Verstappen a tenth shy in P2.

Of course we don't know about fuel levels or strategies, but we are reminded by the commentary that Max hasn't been as confident coming into this weekend.

Right then, back to the racing action...

With 20 minutes to go, Norris is back in P1 after Sainz momentarily dismantled him on the soft tyre.

Behind the Ferrari are the two Mercedes of Russell and Hamilton in P3 and P4, who are also trying out the soft.

Verstappen is just starting his first lap on the red striped compound. Watch this space...

"There's a lizard on track again" 

"Maybe Godzilla had a kid"  pic.twitter.com/NeIuysaUWr

— Sky Sports F1 (@SkySportsF1) September 15, 2023

After some confusion as to why yellow flags were out, a lizard has been spotted by the cameras and Max Verstappen!

'Smaller than last time', laughs Max on the radio.

It's not called practice for nothing!

Alonso, Norris, and Perez all exploring the limits around this tight Marina Bay circuit #F1#SingaporeGPpic.twitter.com/XA8PzBMa3L

— Formula 1 (@F1) September 15, 2023

With under two thirds of the session to go, Norris still leads the timesheets on the medium tyre from Perez and Hamilton.

While those around him are on the hard, it seems the McLaren's upgrades are working well for the Brit. 

Hey there, Honey Badger #SingaporeGP@danielricciardopic.twitter.com/uOQkNmpGOK

— Formula 1 (@F1) September 15, 2023

Verstappen again complains of sliding as he sits fourth on the timesheets.

His teammate Sergio Perez went wide moments before, who has also had complaints on the radio about being seated too low in his RB19 - a common issue at street circuits for drivers.

Sainz and Leclerc now leapfrog Norris, as we reach the 1:35s.

Interesting to note the current lap times are already seven or eight seconds faster than last year's FP1 session, as a result of the updated track layout.

It's been a busy opening 10 minutes of FP1 with Lance Stroll the only driver not to take to track.

Lando Norris tops the timesheets with a 1:35.7 on the medium tyre.

'A lot of oversteer in every corner, basically', exclaims Verstappen, as he also mentions an issue when downshifting. 

'Something smells a little bit smokey', Zhou Guanyu tells his engineer.

F1's only ever Chinese driver signed a contract renewal with his Alfa Romeo team going into this weekend, which will see him back on the grid in 2024.

In curse of the commentator fashion, Alonso goes slightly wide at the first chicane. Lando Norris follows suit in his McLaren as he battles a big snap of oversteer.

Ted Kravitz says Fernando Alonso is aiming 'sky high' this weekend, as the Spaniard is getting to grips with his upgraded Aston Martin on the hard tyre.

• C3, C4 and C5 in use on the tyre front.
• Track updates mean we will see a 62nd lap of racing on Sunday, as opposed to the usual 61.

Hi guys! 

Prettiest paddock of the year? #F1#SingaporeGPpic.twitter.com/RWOBPw2EpF

— Formula 1 (@F1) September 15, 2023

Get familiar with all the upgrades for this weekend, as almost every team is looking to take the next step. 

Hello and welcome to the live blog of today's first free practice session at the Singapore Grand Prix!

Stick around for updates on all of Friday's action, with FP1 officially commencing at 10:30am UK time.