1George Russell delivered a stunning qualifying performance to take pole position for the Singapore Grand Prix, strengthening his case as Mercedes continue talks over a contract extension. The Briton’s lap was nearly two-tenths faster than Max Verstappen’s, a remarkable margin around the Marina Bay street circuit.
Verstappen, however, was left fuming after claiming his final attempt was ruined by Lando Norris. The Red Bull driver accused his close friend of obstructing him on an in-lap, costing him downforce through the closing corners. “That is what happens when there is a car in front of you,” Verstappen said. “It will be remembered.”
Norris rejected the criticism, insisting he had done nothing wrong. “They always complain, that’s Red Bull,” he said. “I was three seconds ahead or something. I didn’t even know.”
Whether Verstappen could have toppled Russell remains debatable. His first flying lap was already two-tenths slower than the Mercedes driver, who improved again on his decisive run. Behind them, Oscar Piastri qualified third and Norris fifth for McLaren, while Mercedes’ Kimi Antonelli impressed with fourth. Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc will line up sixth and seventh.
The pole is a major statement for Russell, achieved while still recovering from illness and underlining Mercedes’ progress with their latest front-wing upgrade. Neither he nor Verstappen has ever won in Singapore, raising the stakes for a fiery battle into turn one.
McLaren, meanwhile, can wrap up the constructors’ title on Sunday if they secure 13 points, sealing back-to-back championships. Both Williams cars, driven by Alex Albon and Logan Sargeant, were disqualified after post-qualifying checks showed their DRS slots exceeded the permitted limits, relegating them to the back of the grid.
