Max Verstappen topped sprint qualifying for Formula 1’s Singapore Grand Prix, where he will be joined on the front row by George Russell. This is the first time Verstappen has come first in a qualifying session of any sort at Marina Bay Street Circuit, while championship leader Kimi Antonelli will start Saturday’s sprint race from seventh.
Nobody had even set a time in SQ1 when Sergio Perez caused a yellow flag as he crashed into the Tecpro at Turn 5. The Cadillac driver damaged his front wing and eventually lost it on the racing line, triggering a red flag.
Arvid Lindblad
With just six minutes remaining, the final moments were a rush to get a lap on the board. Max Verstappen went fastest in 1m33.477s, leading Charles Leclerc and George Russell, while Lewis Hamilton finished fourth. Nico Hulkenberg impressed for Audi, whereas Carlos Sainz was slowest of all after struggling with front locking and rear instability, getting eliminated alongside Williams teammate Alexander Albon, Cadillac duo Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas, Aston Martin's Lance Stroll, and Racing Bulls rookie Arvid Lindblad.
Verstappen went even quicker in SQ2, setting a blistering pace, but Charles Leclerc soon surpassed him with a 1m32.457s. George Russell narrowly survived a lock-up to secure his progression.
George Russell
Ultimately, Max Verstappen secured sprint pole with a 1m31.156s, joined on the front row by George Russell (1m31.276s). Charles Leclerc took third, Oscar Piastri fourth, Lando Norris fifth, and Lewis Hamilton sixth, leaving championship leader Kimi Antonelli down in seventh with a 1m31.849s.
Max Verstappen currently sits in 6th place in the drivers' standings with 188 points.
Source: Autosport
