George Russell produced a stunning lap to secure pole position for the Singapore Grand Prix, outpacing Max Verstappen by nearly two-tenths of a second at the Marina Bay street circuit. The Mercedes driver, still recovering from illness, underlined his value to the team as talks continue over extending his contract.
Verstappen, however, was left frustrated, claiming his final attempt was ruined when he lost downforce while following Lando Norris’s McLaren, which was on an in-lap. The Dutchman gestured angrily on track and later warned: “That is what happens when there is a car in front of you … that is noted and will be remembered as well.” Norris dismissed the criticism, saying Red Bull “complain about everything” and insisting he had kept clear.
While Verstappen’s pace suggested Russell would have been difficult to beat regardless, the incident soured relations between the close friends. Russell’s pole lap was an impeccable display, even after brushing the wall on his first run, and Mercedes’ upgraded front wing appeared to deliver.
Oscar Piastri and Norris finished third and fifth for McLaren, while Kimi Antonelli impressed in fourth for Mercedes. Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc will line up sixth and seventh.
Sunday promises drama at the start, with Russell seeking his first win in Singapore and Verstappen eager to break his own duck at the circuit. McLaren, meanwhile, can seal the constructors’ title with just 13 points, ensuring high stakes across the grid. Williams endured disappointment after both cars were disqualified post-qualifying for technical infringements, relegating Alex Albon and Carlos Sainz to the back of the grid.
