FP1 LIVE | The first free practice of the 2023 F1 Singapore Grand Prix

After a short break, the Formula 1 circus has traveled from Italy to Asia, where the Singapore Grand Prix will take place. The first free practice session is about to start. As always, all the action of the first free practice can also be followed via our live blog.

After the Italian GP, Max Verstappen had something to celebrate: the record for most consecutive victories, beating Sebastian Vettel's target of nine. With ten wins in a row, the Red Bull Racing driver begins his attempt to add an eleventh to that, but he doesn't expect an easy weekend himself.

Last year, it was Sergio Perez who took the victory at the Marina Bay Street Circuit. How he and teammate Verstappen will stand this weekend will partly be seen from the first free practice on Friday. Later, FP2 will show to what extent Ferrari, Mercedes and Aston Martin can come close to the race pace of the Red Bulls. First, however, it's time for the first practice session of the weekend.

This track is well known for requiring maximum downforce setups as well as a very good mechanical balance, because of the bumpy nature of the asphalt (being a street circuit, in fact, most of the track is used everyday as a normal street) and the extreme hot temperatures, which are killer for the tyres. However, this year the teams will have to tackle two main changes: a new final sector (which now has a 400 meter straight instead of a couple of twisty chicanes) and a new technical directive, the TD018, which could affect the battle for the P2 in the championship.