F1 News: Lewis Hamilton "Positive" After Singapore GP Practice

Seven-time F1 champion Lewis Hamilton has spoken out after the first day of practice ahead of the Singapore Grand Prix on Sunday, claiming that Free Practice Two was the "best session" he has had this year.

The British driver put in the fifth fastest times in both sessions where Ferrari drivers Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz topped the time sheets.

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Mercedes has been struggling since the new regulations took effect from the start of the 2022 season. Since then the Brackley-based squad has only won one race with George Russell at the 2022 Brazilian Grand Prix and Hamilton has not taken the top step of the podium since the 2021 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.

Hamilton reflected on the "great day" as part of Mercedes review, he stated:

"It's been a great day here in Singapore. They have done an amazing job with the track changes; I love driving this circuit now more than ever. The new track surface is great, and it made the track even more enjoyable to drive. Then the removal of the four corners near the end of the lap has absolutely perfected the circuit. It's incredible to drive.

"In terms of our day overall, FP1 was solid. We were still a little bit off where we wanted to be, but it wasn't too bad. FP2 was for sure the best FP2 session I've had this year. It was nice to finish a Friday feeling so positive.

"I think we've got a good platform to build off for the rest of the weekend. It's the best I've felt from a Friday this year, so I hope we can do some good work overnight, as we always tend to do, and continue to improve."

Tomorrow will host the third and final free practice session followed by Qualifying in the afternoon before the race on Sunday.