F1: Mercedes struggles in Singapore GP qualifying
Ryan Joseph Ramos September 19, 2015The Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 team finds itself in unfamiliar territory after Ferrari and Red Bull made their marks in qualifying for the 2015 Singapore Grand Prix held in the city-state’s Marina Bay Street Circuit.
Lewis Hamilton, who had gotten used to getting pole positions this year, had to settle for P5 when the night race starts tomorrow.
P6 went to Mercedes teammate Nico Rosberg. Taking pole this time out is Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel. Joining him on the front row is Daniel Ricciardo of Red Bull Racing. Ferrari’s Kimi Raikkonen qualified at P3 while the other Red Bull car driven by Daniil Kvyat went fourth.
The difference between Kvyat’s and Hamilton’s Q3 times was 0.555 of a second, but between Vettel’s and Hamilton’s times is a steeper 1.415 seconds. It’s clear that Mercedes is having trouble with this circuit. It would seem the same old tyre issues made their presence felt again.
“A big congratulations to the guys ahead,” said Hamilton. He quickly reaffirmed the game plan, however. “The goal is still to win.”
Ferrari has a real good chance to snag that breakthrough win in this race, and the pole only solidifies that chance. The red cars won’t be resting on their laurels, however, thanks to the Red Bulls splitting their ranks and posing a big threat. Of course, the teams in front will still be wary of Mercedes’ race pace. Both Ferrari and Red Bull will make it a point to capitalize on the unfamiliar starting position in which Mercedes finds itself.
Can the Mercedes cars overcome this unfamiliar disadvantage? We will find out tomorrow.
