George Russell produced a stunning lap to secure pole position for the Singapore Grand Prix, underlining his value to Mercedes as talks continue over a new contract. The Briton outpaced Max Verstappen by almost two-tenths of a second, an impressive margin on the tight Marina Bay street circuit, though the reigning champion argued his effort was compromised.
Verstappen claimed he was obstructed by Lando Norris on his final flying lap, saying the McLaren driver cost him downforce in the closing corners. He gestured angrily after aborting his run and later remarked: “That is what happens when there is a car in front of you … it’s not nice and will be remembered.” Norris, however, dismissed the criticism, insisting he had done nothing wrong and branding Red Bull “complainers”.
Whether Verstappen could have matched Russell’s time remains doubtful, as he had already been slower on his first attempt. Russell, meanwhile, improved on both of his Q3 laps, brushing the wall on his first run before nailing his second to underline Mercedes’ recent progress with their upgraded front wing.
Oscar Piastri qualified third ahead of Mercedes’ Kimi Antonelli, while Norris settled for fifth. Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc will line up sixth and seventh. Both Williams cars were disqualified after scrutineering revealed DRS slot irregularities, meaning Alex Albon and Carlos Sainz will start from the back.
Russell has never won in Singapore, nor has Verstappen, setting up a tense battle at the start. A victory for the Dutchman would not only be his third in succession but also cut into Piastri’s 69-point title lead. McLaren, however, are on the verge of sealing the constructors’ championship, needing just 13 points on Sunday to clinch their 10th crown.
