George Russell has taken pole in Singapore. Two scorching runs in Q3 saw Russell break and re break the track record, his final lap of 1m 29.158 was nearly four tenths quicker than last year’s pole time. After an uneven Friday he described as “a very challenging day for many different reasons”, Russell and Mercedes have come on strong and have a good chance of claiming their first win since Canada back in June.
Max Verstappen will line up second for the race that could determine the validity of his title aspirations. Verstappen trailed Russell by 0.166s going into sector three on his last lap but abandoned his charge before crossing the line. He later attributed this decision to the slow-moving McLaren of Lando Norris in front of him. Despite there being no obvious signs of impediment, the world champion stated that Norris’s conduct had been “noted”. The McLaren driver later fired back by saying, “They always complain. They complain about everything. That’s Red Bull.”
In contrast to the composure with which they have dominated much of this season, McLaren never looked to have the outright fastest car in qualifying. Norris’ first run in Q3 was fourth-tenths slower than Russell’s, while Piastri’s best efforts were only good enough for P3. Norris will start tomorrow’s race fifth, just behind Kimi Antonelli, who underlined Mercedes’ impressive pace with a controlled drive to fourth. Despite the disappointing result, McLaren are still on course to clinch the constructors’ title in Singapore. The reigning champions need just 13 points to make it back-to-back constructors’ crowns for the first time since 1991.
Ferrari’s Saturday was one to forget as Lewis Hamilton, though happy with his driving, could only manage sixth, one place ahead of his teammate Charles Leclerc, who was left frustrated at what he described as an “unbelievably difficult” car. Not the result Ferrari needed as they attempt to reclaim second place in the constructors’ standings from Mercedes.
Isack Hadjar reinforced the strong pace RB showed on Friday with eighth, ahead of Ollie Bearman, whose performance this weekend has been nothing short of stellar. Despite Aston Martin’s drop off in form towards the end of free practice, Fernando Alonso was able to sneak into Q3 and secure 10th, ahead of Nico Hulkenberg and Liam Lawson, whose 12th place was impressive given the amount of track time he lost thanks to those two crashes in free practice.
Yuki Tsunoda could not make the most of the RB21’s reworked front wing and will line up 13th ahead of Gabriel Bortoleto and Lance Stroll. Franco Colapinto outqualified his teammate for only the fourth time this year in 16th, ahead of Esteban Ocon, who has been unable to contend with his teammate’s searing pace; he’ll start 17th. A mechanical issue at the end of Q1 put an end to Pierre Gasly’s prospects and relegated him to what would have been the back of the grid, were it not for Williams’ misfortune.
Alex Albon and Carlos Sainz initially qualified 12th and 13th, respectively, only for post-session scrutineering to reveal that the DRS flap on both cars exceeded the 85mm limit on both sides of the rear wing. Both drivers were promptly disqualified, allowing those behind to shuffle up a place. A disastrous end to qualifying, given the solid pace Williams showed throughout free practice.
Russell’s one-lap pace proved too hot for anyone to handle. But with a long race ahead and at least three teams in with a shout of victory, this year’s Singapore Grand Prix looks set to be an engaging affair.
