Charles Leclerc stuck the first blow in Singapore by topping the time sheets in first practice for Sunday’s race in the city state. The Ferrari driver, who finished runner-up to McLaren’s Oscar Piastri in Azerbaijan last weekend, edged out Lando Norris to take first place.

McLaren is ahead of Red Bull in the Formula 1 constructors' race. Now for Lando Norris to put pressure on Max Verstappen for the drivers' title. Oscar Piastri's win last week at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix put McLaren top in the teams' standings — the key to F1's lavish prize money — but teammate Norris only took a small bite out of Verstappen's lead.

With its high heat and humidity, the Singapore Grand Prix is one of the toughest races of the year for both car and driver.