Red Mist: And on we go to Singapore. Sigh

mea culpa as Ferrari go off the boil while the season progresses to its climax.

Last week we tried to be optimistic about the then-forthcoming WEC Fuji 6 Hour. Well, that didn’t work out all that well either. This week we have no option but to try to be optimistic about Ferrari at Singapore on Sunday.

Remember, before we dive headlong into this, that some guys are always optimistic. Charles Leclerc being one of them. And as ever, he sees hope. Even after the wall. And all. In Baku: “We struggle quite a bit when it’s cold,” Charles offers. Don’t say! “We’re stronger in hot conditions, so I hope Singapore will give us that.” I know this is a cliché by now, but your lips to God’s ears, Charlie!

Boss Fred is more guarded. He must answer to the Princes of Turin, so he has to be. “Singapore is one of the most demanding races of the year for the whole team,” Vasseur explains. “The track layout, the nighttime conditions and the likelihood of the safety car combine to make a real test of concentration and adaptability. And the new track layout, four DRS zones and a faster pit lane speed limit are new challenges.

“So, qualifying will be decisive. We need to make the most of every session to try to secure the best possible starting positions.” Let’s worry about quali first then, because you tend to cock that up every second race anyway. Being the second in that cycle may yet bring a surprise. The race? Well, we haven’t got that right all year, have we, Fred…?

And Lewis? I think we’re all getting tired of Lewis. Is he even worth quoting anymore? All he ever does is lash mea culpa