2023AnalysisData

PRACTICE DEBRIEF: Are Red Bull really in trouble after frustrating Friday in Singapore?

F1 Correspondent & PresenterLawrence Barretto
SINGAPORE, SINGAPORE - SEPTEMBER 15: Sparks fly behind Sergio Perez of Mexico driving the (11)SINGAPORE, SINGAPORE - SEPTEMBER 15: Max Verstappen of the Netherlands driving the (1) Oracle Red Bull Racing RB19 on track during practice ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Singapore at Marina Bay Street Circuit on September 15, 2023 in Singapore, Singapore. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)

Ferrari were the surprise pace-setters in Friday practice in Singapore, with championship leaders Red Bull uncharacteristically off the pace, as track running got going under the lights. But is their pace genuine and can anyone stop the Red Bull juggernaut come Sunday afternoon?

Red Bull pace ‘worse than expected’

Red Bull laid the groundwork for a potentially challenging weekend in Singapore with their pre-weekend comments, but no one – not even the drivers themselves – anticipated their pace would be as slow as it proved on Friday evening.