F1 2023 Singapore GP LIVE: Free apply schedule, information and begin time at Marina Bay

Exclusive by Kieran Jackson

There’s no place like house. For a lot of the Formula 1 grid, a return to acquainted comforts at a much-loved circuit is one thing to behold, thrive and enjoy. In reality, it’s solely the Haas pairing of Nico Hulkenberg and Kevin Magnussen and the Alfa Romeo crew of Valtteri Bottas and Zhou Guanyu who haven’t basked in such an expertise in 2023.

But all eyes for Zhou – Formula 1’s first Chinese driver in its 73-year historical past – now level firmly in the direction of 21 April 2024. The sport’s return to one of many world’s powerhouses has, 4 instances, been placed on maintain as a result of pandemic – each the world-altering occasion itself and the nation’s controversial zero-covid coverage within the aftermath. Yet subsequent yr will see the Shanghai International Circuit host as soon as extra; all that was left was for Zhou’s presence to be confirmed.

That got here on Thursday morning. Ahead of the Singapore Grand Prix, the 24-year-old penned a one-year extension with Alfa Romeo to race with the Sauber-works crew for a third-straight yr. F1’s worldwide reputation growth has not diverted previous China – and subsequent spring we’ll see the complete impression of Zhou’s spot on the grid.

“It’s the dream fulfilled – the first Chinese driver in F1, it’s a huge thing for a massive country like us,” Zhou tells The Independent.

• Free apply 1: 10:30am
• Free apply 2: 2pm

• Free apply 3: 10:30am
• Qualifying: 2pm

Good morning and welcome to The Independent’s reside protection of the Singapore Grand Prix this weekend!

Max Verstappen is chasing one other victory – what could be his eleventh in a row – as Formula 1 returns to Asia for the favored Singapore Grand Prix on the Marina Bay Street Circuit. Verstappen broke the document for probably the most consecutive race wins final trip at Monza, overtaking Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz to win his tenth race in a row. The Dutchman is cruising to a third-straight F1 world championship and at present has a 145-point lead within the standings to team-mate Sergio Perez, although can not clinch the title in Singapore.

It was an improved efficiency from Ferrari in Italy, with Sainz securing his first podium of the yr and Charles Leclerc ending fourth, whereas the Mercedes duo of Lewis Hamilton and George Russell adopted up their new contracts with sixth and fifth place respectively. Williams’ Alex Albon was a standout as soon as once more, ending seventh.

Perez received final yr’s moist race beneath the lights in Singapore – a venue the place Verstappen is but to triumph in his profession. Lewis Hamilton is a four-time winner in Marina Bay.

Today is apply – FP1 begins at 10:30am (BST) and second apply is at 2pm.