Max Verstappen claims Singapore Sprint pole with late lap
Max Verstappen claimed pole position for the Singapore Sprint, edging George Russell by just 0.120 seconds. The Red Bull driver clocked a 1:31.156 at Marina Bay, earning his first Sprint pole and his first pole position of any kind at the circuit. Russell put Mercedes second, while Charles Leclerc took third for Ferrari.
A decisive lap in SQ3
The fight for pole came down to SQ3. Leclerc briefly led with a 1:31.399, but Verstappen found more pace on his final lap. Russell also delivered a strong last effort to finish just over a tenth behind. Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris completed the top five, while championship leader Kimi Antonelli qualified seventh.
“I did not expect this,” Verstappen said after the session. He explained that the car came alive on the soft tyres, although the Singapore circuit still exposed some of its weaknesses. It was a significant result for Red Bull at a street circuit where Verstappen had never previously won or taken pole.
Perez crash brings out the red flag
SQ1 was interrupted by a crash involving Sergio Perez, which left debris on track. The red flag reduced the available running time and raised the pressure on drivers trying to reach the next phase.
The Sprint grid could still change: stewards are investigating Verstappen over an alleged pass on Lewis Hamilton under yellow flags. His result remains provisional pending their decision.
