Hamilton and Leclerc Vow Aggressive Approach Ahead of Singapore Grand Prix
Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc say they are ‘here to attack’ as the night race in Singapore looms, eyeing a rare double‑header showdown.
Lewis Hamilton and Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc have both signalled an aggressive mindset ahead of the Singapore Grand Prix, the sport’s first night race of the season. In a joint interview with Formula1.com, the two drivers said they are "here to attack" and will be pushing hard from the start, underscoring the high‑stakes nature of the Marina Bay street circuit.
Drivers’ intent
Hamilton, who finished fifth in the previous round at Suzuka, stressed that the unique demands of Singapore – high temperatures, low‑light conditions and a tight, twisty layout – require a different approach than any other venue. "We’ve studied the data, we know where the overtaking opportunities are, and we’re ready to go all‑out," he said. Leclerc echoed the sentiment, adding that Ferrari’s recent upgrades give them confidence to challenge Red Bull on a circuit where aerodynamic efficiency is paramount.
Team strategies and tyre considerations
Both Mercedes and Ferrari are expected to bring the soft and medium tyre compounds from Pirelli, with the soft likely to dominate the opening stint. The teams will also have to manage the notorious "wall of heat" that builds up in the pit lane after sunset, a factor that can affect tyre degradation and brake temperatures. Engineers from both camps have hinted at a more aggressive pit‑stop strategy, aiming to undercut rivals during the early phases of the race.
Implications for the championship
A strong result in Singapore could tighten the battle for second place in the drivers’ standings, with Hamilton currently trailing Max Verstappen by 34 points and Leclerc sitting just a few points behind the British driver. A podium for either could also boost the constructors’ fight, as Mercedes seeks to close the gap to Red Bull, while Ferrari aims to reclaim the top spot after a mixed start to the season.
For India
The Singapore GP will be broadcast live on FanCode in India, with the race starting at 21:00 IST on Sunday, 22 October. Pre‑race analysis and driver interviews will be available on the FanCode app from 18:00 IST, while a post‑race wrap‑up will follow the checkered flag. Indian fans can also follow live timing on the official F1 app, which offers a dedicated Indian time‑zone view.
Source: Formula1.com