Oct.4 (GMM) Fernando Alonso stunned the paddock on Friday in Singapore, topping the first session and staying inside the top four all day for Aston Martin.
Red Bull’s Dr Helmut Marko admitted the Spaniard’s pace caught his attention. “We have to watch out for him. He was consistently fast all day,” said the Austrian.
Still, most eyes were on Max Verstappen and the two McLarens, with the drivers’ championship picture swinging again after Verstappen’s back-to-back wins in Monza and Baku.
Lando Norris had a troubled day, clearly lagging teammate Oscar Piastri’s pace. “I didn’t feel very good with the car,” Norris admitted.
“Oscar is fast, the car works, so I have nothing to complain about, except that I didn’t do well.”
Marko described it as “the best Friday in years in Singapore”, as Red Bull rolled out a new front wing for Verstappen. “The car no longer bounces over the bumps like a kangaroo. The understeer is gone.
“And for the first time, Max didn’t complain,” he smiled.
Chief engineer Paul Monaghan explained the upgrade. “We saw with the penultimate iteration that there was still room for improvement,” he said.
“When the simulations promised faster laptimes, we built the wing. Our production department has just enough time before we start work on the 2026 car.”
Verstappen, now 69 points behind Piastri, said the car’s feel reminded him of recent victories. “It felt a bit like the last two weekends,” he confirmed.
Dutch commentator Olav Mol told Ziggo Sport that the momentum in F1 is clearly now shifting. “It seems like they’ve come to a standstill at McLaren,” he said.
“What happened a year and a half ago in Miami, where McLaren suddenly took off, seems to be happening at Red Bull now.”
Norris also hinted at the mental strain of facing Verstappen. “If I could go back and choose how to be a better driver, I would also have a mum and dad who were racing drivers, start when you are a baby in the paddock, start karting at whatever age he did and do more testing than everyone else,” he said.
“So people have to catch up because he was made to be in the position he is now, but he is also making the most of that and that is why he has four world championships.”
Indeed, even when away from F1, Verstappen has been racing and winning in GT3 at the Nurburgring. 44-year-old veteran Alonso hinted he would like to join him in the future for endurance events like Le Mans.
“Maybe it’s preparation for Le Mans someday,” Alonso told Viaplay. “Who knows? I mean, I’d love to do that (with Verstappen) someday. I think his talent is beyond doubt, and the 24 Hours of Le Mans is the best endurance race in the world.”
“I’m a big fan of motorsport outside of Formula 1,” the Spaniard added. “I find it purer, cleaner, more fun. I did it a few years ago, and I will do it again in the future. I don’t know with what intensity, but I will do it in the future.”
The Indianapolis 500 is an American tradition, and the 2026 race marks the 110th year of this historic event. Guests of Grand Prix Tours will enjoy premium accommodations, options for exclusive suite access, and unforgettable race-day experiences, including a police escort to the track. Highlights include visits to the newly renovated Indy 500 Museum, Gasoline Alley, and the Dallara IndyCar Factory, plus patriotic pre-race festivities like the singing of “Back Home Again in Indiana.” Join us for our 41st trip to the legendary Indy 500!
SHOW PACKAGES
The Monaco Grand Prix, often called the crown jewel of Formula 1, is one of the most prestigious races in the world and part of the Triple Crown of Motorsport alongside the Indy 500 and 24 Hours of Le Mans. Starting in 2026, the race will move from May to June to better align with the F1 schedule, placing the Canadian Grand Prix earlier in the season. Grand Prix Tours has taken care of all of the details and has arranged an amazing motorsports vacation. Call 949 719 3350 to book your trip or to contact us with any questions.
SHOW PACKAGES
Join Grand Prix Tours for the 2026 Austrian Grand Prix at the iconic Red Bull Ring; a fan favorite that rarely disappoints. Set in Austria’s stunning Styrian Hills, this scenic circuit is famous for its dramatic elevation changes and thrilling uphill turns. We’ve planned every detail so you can relax and enjoy an unforgettable motorsport getaway.
SHOW PACKAGES
Join Grand Prix Tours at the legendary Silverstone Circuit for the 2026 British Grand Prix; the birthplace of modern F1. This isn’t just race weekend; you’ll visit the British Motor Museum, explore the Silverstone Museum, and enjoy an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of the Oracle Red Bull Racing Factory. With over 40 years of experience hosting this trip, we’ve thought of every detail for the ultimate F1 fan experience.
SHOW PACKAGES
Join Grand Prix Tours for the 32nd Goodwood Festival of Speed in the South of England, a long summer weekend celebrating the greatest moments in motorsport. Held at the magnificent Goodwood House, this world-renowned event showcases an unparalleled collection of historic and modern racing cars from the past 125 years. We’ve taken care of every detail so you can enjoy an unforgettable motorsport getaway.
SHOW PACKAGES
Join Grand Prix Tours for the 2026 Canadian Grand Prix in Montreal, a fan favorite on the F1 calendar. The city comes alive for race week packed with energy, events, and unforgettable nightlife. This year, the action shifts to Memorial Day weekend (late May), part of F1’s new, eco-friendly schedule. Don’t miss your chance to be part of the atmosphere where motorsport meets Montreal magic. Book your spot now this one sells out fast!
SHOW PACKAGES