The Ferrari error that triggered its Singapore GP nightmare

Brake problems have been a constant issue for Ferrari throughout the current F1 season, but in Singapore, it was clear the problem was at its most severe.

During free practice on Friday, a thermal imbalance became evident as the engineers noticed a substantial difference in temperature between the right and left rear brakes.

This was an issue that already sprouted itself at the start of the season and which, on the track that is the most demanding in terms of brake temperature, manifested itself into an almighty headache for Ferrari.

It was therefore no coincidence that Leclerc, from lap eight onwards, had to manage the same temperature imbalance between the right and left rear brakes, performing frequent lift and coast manoeuvres - much to the Monegasque driver's frustration. 

However, despite Leclerc's efforts to mitigate the problem, the phenomenon then spread to the front axle as well. 

It was already foreseeable in the build-up to the race in Singapore that, due to the sequence of braking and the few short straights useful for cooling, the situation would be critical during the long grand prix.

Leclerc ended the race in sixth place and over 45 seconds down on race-winner George Russell, while Lewis Hamilton limped home in seventh (later dropped to eighth following a time penalty) after his brakes gave way in the final laps.

Something Ferrari opted not to do in anticipation of the race around the Marina Bay Circuit was to increase the brake venting capabilities.

This method could have been carried out when considering the recurring thermal imbalance problems that have been present throughout the year.

Instead, in an attempt to mediate the SF-25's straight-line efficiency, a decision was made that failed to capitalise on the level of thermal stress that was applied to the brakes.

Ferrari currently sit third in the constructors' championship with six rounds remaining, and is yet to win a grand prix this year.