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George Russell put Mercedes back on top in Singapore, clocking the fastest time in the sole practice session ahead of the two thousand twenty six Grand Prix weekend. Russell, running older-spec machinery, edged Charles Leclerc by nearly two tenths and Lando Norris by just over a quarter second in sweltering fifty three degree track conditions that made the whole session something of a guessing game.
But here's the subplot worth watching — Max Verstappen sat sixth overall yet was half a second faster than anyone on medium tyres, deliberately saving rubber while the others chased soft-tyre glory. Red Bull is playing chess while everyone else plays checkers, and with sprint qualifying coming fast, that tyre management edge could matter enormously before the weekend gets serious.
Away from the circuit, Enzo Maresca stepped to the microphone Friday for his first public comments since the Manchester City financial commission verdict dropped. The Chelsea boss declared full faith in City as the club continues contesting the independent commission's findings into alleged Premier League financial rule breaches — a story that refuses to leave the headlines no matter how many races get underway.
That's your play-by-play. Sports Desk, back to the booth.
