Lewis Hamilton condemns Singapore Sling
McLaren’s Lewis Hamilton has condemned the new track improvements as dangerous after completing the first two practice sessions at the Singapore Grand Prix. The 25-year-old former world champion is fearful
that the chicane, which was re-profiled to balance the kerbs, will be the cause of another accident. The infamous S-shaped turn threw former world champion Kimi Raikkonen off the track in 2008, and since then it has been dubbed one of the most dangerous chicanes
in the F1 calendar.
“I think they made the track worse," stated Hamilton, in response to the modifications. “The chicane is probably the worst corner I've ever driven in Formula 1. I mean, it’s just ridiculous. Last year
was already small, but now it's just more dangerous. We saw one car take off already, I think Adrian Sutil. You approach that corner at 160 mph and you have to brake down. If something goes wrong or someone’s brakes fail and hits one of those kerbs, we are
going to see a nasty accident.”
Teammate Jenson Button, who came third in the second practice session at Singapore, expressed his dissatisfaction with the circuit’s shortcomings as well. “Turn 5 for me is the biggest issue,” said Button.
“They resurfaced it and it’s a very negative camber, so you turn in and you lose the rear end, and it feels pretty uncontrollable. It's a pretty tough corner, especially because the water is still in the asphalt there.”
Singapore’s Marina Bay Street Circuit, introduced into the F1 season in 2008, is famous for its vibrant cityscape, night schedule, and tropical weather. With rain playing a huge role in the outcome of
the races, the driver’s ability to control the different types of tires on the tarmac is crucial, as well as their ability to navigate the writhing twists and turns. Likened to other street circuits such as Monaco, it is one of the most challenging courses
that drivers face.
Button said of Friday’s practice session, “The car is working well. I don't know where our pace is. At the moment the Red Bull looks crazy quick, but we wanna wait until tomorrow.”
Hamilton, who came fifth, is more optimistic. “We are reasonably close. They are not that far ahead. We are competitive and I think there is a little more time to find, so we'll be pushing.”
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