F1 Singapore GP live updates – media day

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Komatsu on Grosjean test: 'Nobody wanted Bahrain to be the last time'

Ayao Komatsu reprised his role as Romain Grosjean's engineer when the Frenchman returned to the wheel of a Haas F1 car for the first time in five years, with Haas running a family day at Mugello last week.

Without Haas' testing of previous cars programme that was opened this year, with support from Toyota, Komatsu says that it would have been difficult to run a similar event.

"Nobody wanted Bahrain to be his last time in the car. We always wanted to do this, but until this year we had no opportunities or capabilities to do it. This year, we got the heritage team to run the TPC car so, as soon as we had that capability, I spoke with Romain: 'do you want to do it?'

"Of course, he wanted to do it and he wanted to do it in a proper high speed circuit and Mugello is one of his favourites. In terms of his calendar, September worked, so we managed to make it happen, which was great.

"That was great, a really nice experience. It was nice to be able to do that, and then for the whole team was uplifting. We made it as a family day for our Italian colleagues based in Maranello, which is about an hour and a half away.

"Without having that test car, it was not possible to do like a family day in Italy with running a car, so that's the first time we managed to do it the first time in 10 years. With families and kids and everybody, it was close to 500 people and that was amazing."

Romain Grosjean, Ayao Komatsu, Haas F1 Team

Photo by: Haas F1 Team

Piastri: Baku offered "tough lessons", can't afford similar weekends again

Oscar Piastri will hope that his disastrous weekend in Baku was a one-off - in Azerbaijan, he crashed out in qualifying, and then suffered a similar shunt on the opening lap of the race after jumping the start.

Naturally, Piastri is hoping Singapore can afford the opportunity to shake that off, and be grateful that his championship lead did not take more of a dent as Lando Norris only finished seventh at Baku.

"Disregarding who won the race, I think we don't want to have weekends like Baku, and we know we can't afford to have weekends like Baku. 

"Certainly from my side of things, there was some tough lessons to take, but I think as a team, we kind of recognised a few opportunities from the weekend to try and improve, so that's always an important thing. You know, I'm not that fast with kind of what the championship picture looks like.
 
"I think Baku was quite a good reminder of, firstly, how quickly everything can change, but also on some of the things that have made the season so successful for myself and the team, so I think just trying to stay focused on that will naturally take care of the championship picture."

Oscar Piastri, McLaren

Photo by: Jayce Illman / Getty Images

Hamilton touched by "heartwarming" messages after Roscoe passing

Lewis Hamilton was accompanied by his dog Roscoe around the world, but has come to Singapore still hurting from the sad passing of his bulldog.

Hamilton revealed that he had felt supported by the sheer quantity of messages he'd received in sympathy for Roscoe's passing, although was understandably keen not to talk about it too much.

"Yeah, lots of messages. Yeah, quite overwhelming, to be honest, to see just how many people Roscoe touched, you know, around the world, and really heartwarming to receive. 

"I've not been able to reply to everybody, but, yeah, he was the most important thing in my life, so it was a very difficult experience. 

"And I know so many people in the world have gone through it and know what it's like to have a pet that gives you such amazing love, and it's an amazing experience. 

"But, yeah, I'm really just looking forward to now just getting back in the car and doing what I love doing here."

Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari with Roscoe

Photo by: Ferrari

Antonelli: Baku important to "switch momentum"

Andrea Kimi Antonelli ended a difficult run of form to clinch fourth at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, although didn't quite have enough in the tank to join team-mate George Russell on the podium.

The Italian says that it was a important result to get, and it's now on him to maintain that level of consistency through the final half of the year.

"Baku was definitely what I needed in terms of result because it kind of switched the momentum and also it kind of switched the trend," Antonelli said. 

"Obviously I had a negative trend up until there and I really needed a good result. Now the goal is to do these results consistently and try to perform even better. I was really annoyed after the race because I really wanted a podium and I was just so close for the whole race. 

"But overall after a couple of days I looked back at the whole weekend and I think it was very positive and I think also in terms of approach and preparation was a good standard. So I'll try to follow that for this weekend and the next few races as well."

Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes

Photo by: Clive Rose / Formula 1 via Getty Images

Tsunoda: Baku shows "right direction" step at Red Bull

Yuki Tsunoda's impressive pace at the start of the year with Racing Bulls feels like a long time ago now, following his struggles to get settled at Red Bull.

But the Japanese driver now feels that he's shown a step in the right direction with his sixth-place finish at Baku, and knows what he needs to do to retain his drive at Red Bull for next year.

"For me the target is clear. Well, the thing I have to do is quite clear, I've just shown those things I guess one race so far

"As soon as I came here for the second half of the season, I think Q3 is there, points is there, so at least in the right direction. So I'm showing at least I'm able to improve from first half of the season.

"So yeah, I'll just keep what I'm doing. I think obviously I want to have more, but I think those things will come with my efforts and also how much I can put together more. But I think confidence and, yeah, I think understanding about the car, those things, it's getting better and better, I just have to put it all together."

Yuki Tsunoda, Red Bull Racing Team

Photo by: Sam Bagnall / Sutton Images via Getty Images

Verstappen on NLS debut, chances of N24 in 2026

Max Verstappen spoke to the F1 media for the first time after his GT3 debut - where he won the ninth race of this year's NLS series with team-mate Chris Lulham.

He also explained the chances of him doing the full Nurburgring 24 Hours next year, which he says depends on how involved he is in 2026's all new ruleset.

"Yeah, it was a lot of fun, I've been preparing for that for a while, and yeah it's just two very nice days, again racing a bit in the wet and the dry, just getting more and more experience, it was nice, and of course to win it, that's an extra bonus.

"But does it make me a better driver? I mean, I've been doing this already for so many years on the simulator, so for me doing it now in real life is not very different, but it definitely doesn't hurt, I think I can say that."

On doing the Nurburgring 24 Hours next year: "Depends on a lot of things to be honest, it depends on F1 first of all. I'm suspecting of course that with the rules next year it's going to be very complicated to start with, some unknowns anyway.

"It probably will be a little bit more hectic than the end of a regulation where things are a bit more straightforward, plus also the program of the GT3 team, which car we are going to race next year and stuff like that. A lot of things that still have to come together before I can really plan it well in advance for just my drivers already in the team, plus myself.

"For sure, we want to be back there, I just don't know at the moment how many races I can do next year, but if there is an opportunity and I feel good about it, plus whatever is happening in F1, then for sure."

#31 Emil Frey Racing, Ferrari 296 GT3: Max Verstappen, Chris Lulham

Photo by: Ferrari

Bearman on missed opportunity of Baku

Ollie Bearman was cost a chance of a points-scoring finish in Azerbaijan through his Q2 wall-bang at Turn 2, where a light touch knocked his rear suspension out of alignment. Bearman was classified 12th, as Alex Albon took a 10-second penalty.

"Yeah, it's a shame and it's a reminder that it doesn't really matter however fast everything is, if you don't put everything together, it doesn't matter. 

"That was an incredibly tough qualifying session and a lot of top guys made mistakes much bigger than I did. I'm not too harsh on myself for what I did. I had a 25 kph sustained tailwind out of that corner that I hadn't had before in the whole session or the whole weekend. 

It sucks because the car was very fast and we were having a good weekend. The team did an excellent job and I think until that lap in quali I was also doing a good job on my driving."

"Since the summer break I feel like my strike rate has been quite good. I've been executing decent weekends. But Baku is an example of a tough moment. You can still learn a lot from it. I wouldn't necessarily change the way I approached that qualifying session because I don't think it was a case of having the wrong approach. 

It was a case of probably getting a bit unlucky with the conditions and a case of one or two centimetres."

Oliver Bearman, Haas F1 Team, Isack Hadjar, Racing Bulls Team

Photo by: Sam Bloxham / LAT Images via Getty Images

Albon: Energy at Williams HQ "addictive"

Alex Albon reckons that Carlos Sainz's podium at Baku didn't add anything extra to the energy at Williams' Grove base - everybody was already incredibly motivated - but rather proved the point that the team can achieve big results following its growth behind closed doors.

Albon says that Sainz's result is a sign of things to come.

"Truthfully, I would say the whole attitude this year has shifted and I don't feel like the podium has necessarily invigorated the team more because I can tell you at Grove, everyone is super, super motivated.

"The culture and the energy in it is addictive and you don't really feel like there's much more that the podium gave more than, if anything, proving a point. 

"I feel like it's almost a bit of a taste, I hope, for the future of the team and for us, and it's a sign of things to come and maybe came a little bit earlier than we thought it would. But it shows that we're working in the right direction."

Alexander Albon, Williams

Photo by: Simon Galloway / LAT Images via Getty Images

Images of the day

Today's curated gallery of paddock photos is available right here!

Fans of Charles Leclerc, Ferrari

Photo by: Clive Rose / Formula 1 via Getty Images

Ocon on Haas' Mugello day, Grosjean return to F1 wheel

Romain Grosjean drove an F1 car for the first time since his 2020 accident in Bahrain, joining Haas for a TPC day in Mugello.

Esteban Ocon was there, and reckoned that none of Grosjean's F1 instincts were dulled by his time away.

"It was awesome. It was awesome. And, you know, we had most of our employees, you know, that were there. Also, it was a big Haas family day.

"Everyone was there to witness Romain driving an F1 car five years after, you know, his accident in Bahrain. And, you know, it was a day full of happiness and emotions, really. I'm glad to have been there to witness it all. Romain didn't lose anything. He was straight away on pace. 

"He knew everything on the steering wheel and everything - it's only been five years...

"Definitely a great day. And, you know, this team is very special in that sense that, you know, there are emotions, we are a small team, but it's really a big family. And even though it was five years ago, the team didn't forget that Romain was there from the start. And that's quite special."

Esteban Ocon, Haas F1 Team, Oliver Bearman, Haas F1 Team, Romain Grosjean

Photo by: Haas F1 Team

Hadjar: 'Good position' to be locked in for 2026 drive

Isack Hadjar will drive for either Red Bull or Racing Bulls next year come what may, although the decision on which team that will be for won't come until later.

The Frenchman says it's a new position for him, given that he's been used to one-year deals throughout his junior series career.

"I think it's always a good position to be in, but in my whole career i'm used to having to chase until the final race, every championship to move up the ranks.

"It's a new place to be, it takes out a bit of pressure - but I enjoy it, it feels that's when I deliver. Let's see how I cope over the last few races, but I'm going to keep pushing."

Liam Lawson, Racing Bulls Team, Isack Hadjar, Racing Bulls Team

Photo by: Rudy Carezzevoli / Getty Images

Leclerc not expecting Singapore miracles

Charles Leclerc played down any expectations in Singapore, even if the circuit should suit Ferrari - warm conditions and few long-radius corners have historically suited the Scuderia.

"I don't think we can expect any miracles. In Baku it's not that we weren't competitive, but I don't think we expect to be more competitive.

"I think McLaren will have even more of an advantage on a track like this, so we will be a bit more behind. But I think versus Mercedes we should be a bit better."

"I think we are in a very different place to last year. In the simplest way, Mercedes is stronger when it's cold, and we're stronger when it's warm. I feel like this is what is going to swing the performance more than any track characteristics."

Charles Leclerc, Ferrari

Photo by: Clive Rose / Formula 1 via Getty Images

Norris unconcerned by McLaren possibility of driver priority

Lando Norris opted for a sarcastic response to a question asking that, if Verstappen was now in the championship hunt, whether McLaren would start to prioritise one driver over the other.

"I'm very worried about it actually, I'm scared. I'm glad you asked me that," Norris responded dryly, before stating that he wasn't concerned at all.

Norris said that he expected Red Bull to be in the hunt for victories at other races this season - citing Las Vegas, but also noting that Verstappen was close to the McLarens in qualifying for Singapore last year.

Lando Norris, McLaren

Photo by: Jayce Illman / Getty Images

Russell: "No updates on 2026"

In the FIA press conference, George Russell was immediately asked by emcee Tom Clarkson if there were any contract updates - which the Briton responded to with mock surprise.

"When you get to a certain point in your career, things have to be done right," Russell said. "And every time you renew a contract it's the most important one of your life and it has to be done with good care. It'll get done when it gets done."

Asked by TC if he was a fierce negotiator, Russell responded thusly:

"How many of these questions are there? [laughs] I don't think so, it's just about what's fair and muturally beneficial. it's different for different drivers. I'll be glad to tell you all when it is."

George Russell, Mercedes

Photo by: Clive Rose / Formula 1 via Getty Images

Colapinto hopes for similar Singapore weekend as 2024

Franco Colapinto was in the early stages of his F1 career when he arrived in Singapore last year, and now comes back with almost a year's worth of experience in hand.

"I was just shy of Q3, and it was my first time here. Generally it was a positive weekend: my third race, second street track, very difficult one, so yeah, it was a good weekend, definitely, I was confident with the car and on a track that you have to push the limits.

"I could trust the car so I think this weekend we will try to do the same, try to have a car that is competitive and that gives me the confidence to push."

Franco Colapinto, Alpine

Photo by: Kym Illman / Getty Images

Gasly "keen" to follow Verstappen into different racing disciplines

Pierre Gasly reckons that it's great for motorsport overall that Max Verstappen has dabbled in other categories, and it's something that the Frenchman would also like to do if the time is right.

Gasly says that the main factor is having the opportunity to 'do it well' and get the chance to practice.

"I'm keen on racing. I love that, but I mean for me at this stage it's just not that simple to organise this type of thing and if you do it, you want to do it well, right? You want to practice, get some running in the car, do it with people that you trust that can provide a good set up.

"I think I just don't have that so it will just require a bit more energy, which at the moment is not the right time, but you know for sure, hopefully in the near future and it's something that I could explore.

Gasly on prospect of trialling Alpine's A424 Le Mans car: "There are talks, But yeah, again, it's all about finding the right time, and the sort of like right way of doing it. Let's say it's still a long way until we make it something proper."

Pierre Gasly, Alpine

Photo by: Sam Bagnall / Sutton Images via Getty Images

Lawson aiming to keep momentum after fifth in Baku: "Marko hasn't called"

Liam Lawson joked that he hadn't heard from Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko after finishing fifth at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix - but reckoned he will if Singapore doesn't go to plan.

The Kiwi said that Racing Bulls had unlocked some set-up options that have made him feel more comfortable behind the wheel of the VCARB 02, and hopes to carry the Baku momentum into this weekend.

"Normally the phone calls are after the bad ones. So I haven't heard much! But I think it's clear for all of us. We've obviously done this a long time and we're well aware that we need to have good performances to stay in the sport and that's honestly what I'm focused on at the moment. So, Baku was great, but obviously we need more of that going through the next few races.

"It's great to have a result like that. But at the same time, as much as you can say that you have momentum, it can change very quickly and I think it's really important to just stay grounded with these results and know that even though Baku was great, obviously it doesn't mean that it just automatically translates through the rest of the year.

"We have things that we've found in the car and personally that have made me a lot more comfortable and that's the stuff we're focused on and trying to improve that to make it as easy as possible for me. We're pushing to have more results like that."

Liam Lawson, Racing Bulls Team

Photo by: Glenn Dunbar / LAT Images via Getty Images

Sainz expects less competitive Williams in Singapore, reflects on Baku heroics

Almost two weeks on from delivering a podium finish at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, Carlos Sainz played down expectations of a similar weekend in Singapore - stating that Williams is less potent in high-downforce conditions.

He was delighted, however, that things had finally clicked at Williams; execution, not speed, was the main mitigating factor.

"I think realistically speaking, whenever we put a higher downforce wing on our car, we seem to be a bit less competitive," Sainz said. "I think if you see all of our great results have come with low downforce rear wings, low downforce tracks that our car tends to respond better to [that]. That doesn't mean that here I will not try and perform and deliver a weekend like I did in Baku.

"I think that has to be my intention from here to the end of the year. Baku certainly was a big boost in motivation and even I would say a relief because it just confirmed the narrative that I was saying the whole year that speed is not a problem and that I just need to put together weekends and hopefully that serves as an example and I can follow that example until the end of the year.

"[The first half of the year] was certainly very tough. Probably one of the toughest psychologically moments of my career in terms of how much setbacks I had to deal with through the season."

Carlos Sainz, Williams

Photo by: Clive Rose / Formula 1 via Getty Images

Bortoleto prepared for Singapore with "sim work with a lot of hoodies on"

This is Gabriel Bortoleto's first visit to Singapore, so the heat in which drivers usually race might come as a bit of a shock.

But the Brazilian says that he did some training in the sauna to prepare - and had the bright idea to do some simulator work while layered up.

"We trained a bit in the hot conditions, so sauna. I did a bit of simulator work with a lot of hoodies on. Trying to simulate something, but in the sim you don't get too tired, so it's a bit difficult.

"But honestly not really much, I mean it's not a week that is gonna make you ready for a race. So it's about all the year making the right work, so I think it should be good.

"It was 1am in the morning and I couldn't sleep. I was like, I'm driving the sim, so why not put some hoodies on and drive like this? It came to my mind and I did it!"

Bortoleto unsurprised that Verstappen won his first GT3 race: "No, I'm not surprised. He's winning in F1, why wouldn't he win in GT3? It's obviously different categories, but I think he already beat the record in Nordschleife unofficially previously, so I expected him to do well in the race and he did."

"Not only him, but a very good job from his teammate, a good friend of mine as well, Chris Lulham. He did an amazing job coming from the sim world to the real track. The performance he has been putting in the races he has been doing is very impressive."

Gabriel Bortoleto, Sauber

Photo by: Andy Hone/ LAT Images via Getty Images

Hulkenberg: Albon "fresh like a spring chicken" with cooling vest in Jeddah

As Singapore has received F1's first 'heat hazard' declaration, everyone will be expected to either run with the new FIA-approved cooling vests, or affix ballast in its place. 

Nico Hulkenberg says that there's little point in going without the vest, given the added weight, and that an encounter with Alex Albon after this year's Jeddah race put him in favour of the idea.

"Well, it's declared for it already, right, so we all have to fit the ballast anyway. You've got to fit the ballast, yeah. But then you might as well take the thing. We haven't actually had it properly running yet, so we still need to verify and try it out and sign it off.

"But if it does work, I will, yeah. After Jeddah, I was toast after the race. It was bloody hot. And I had Alex next to me on the plane, and he ran the thing, and he was fresh like a spring chicken. So I said, next time I'm going to run that thing."

Nico Hulkenberg, Sauber

Photo by: Rudy Carezzevoli / Getty Images

Cowell on Horner rumours: "That's down to him"

Aston Martin CEO and team principal Andy Cowell opened today's media sessions, and he was soon asked about rumours linking Christian Horner to a role at the team. 

Cowell did not flatly deny said rumours, which rather left the door ajar to the ex-Red Bull chief's future involvement with the team.

"I think Christian's record speaks for itself. He's a great competitor. I guess it's down to Christian to work out what he wants to do. He might want to walk away from the sport. He might want to do something else in the sport. But that's down to Christian, isn't it?

"I think we've got a strong set-up and we're marching forward with that. We're a relatively young team. We've got great facilities."

Andy Cowell, Aston Martin Racing

Photo by: Zak Mauger / Motorsport Images

Welcome to Singapore!

Good morning - or evening, if you're following this from Singapore! We return once more to the Marina Bay Street Circuit, host of F1's first ever night race back in 2008.

Since then, it's brought action, humidity, controversy, and trespassing lizards throughout its time on the F1 calendar. It's a modern classic!

Fireworks light the sky at the end of last year's race

Photo by: Simon Galloway / Motorsport Images