Russell seizes Singapore pole as qualifying turns chaotic
George Russell delivered when it mattered in Singapore, producing not one but two laps good enough for pole and securing the front row alongside Max Verstappen for a tantalising Marina Bay showdown. The Mercedes driver’s pace swung the narrative after practice, while Verstappen felt he was impeded on his final push — pointing to Lando Norris’s dirty air as a factor — and will launch from P2.
Behind them, last year’s winner Lando Norris could do no better than fifth after being out-qualified by team-mate Oscar Piastri, who starts third, and Kimi Antonelli in fourth. For Lewis Hamilton, it was a milestone of the wrong kind: for the first time in his career at Marina Bay, he will start outside the top five, lining up sixth — but crucially ahead of team-mate Charles Leclerc.
DRS exclusions reshape the grid
Post-qualifying scrutineering triggered a major twist. The 12th and 13th placed cars of Alex Albon and Carlos Sainz were excluded from the results after their DRS flaps were found to exceed the maximum permitted 85mm opening. In the wake of those disqualifications, every driver from Nico Hülkenberg down has been shifted forward by two positions.
Important: The grid remains provisional until officially confirmed by the FIA.
Front-of-grid headlines
- Pole: George Russell (two laps strong enough for P1)
- P2: Max Verstappen (voiced frustration over dirty air on final run)
- P3–P5: Oscar Piastri, Kimi Antonelli, Lando Norris
- P6: Lewis Hamilton (ahead of team-mate Charles Leclerc)
Q3 flashpoints: dirty air and pitlane queue fury
Qualifying wasn’t short on flashpoints. Verstappen complained of being held up by Norris in the decisive phase, a theme that dovetailed with broader gripes about turbulent air in Singapore’s tight final sector. Separately, Lewis Hamilton was left angered by what he described as Ferrari’s mismanagement of the pitlane queue in Q3, adding another layer of drama to an already eventful evening under the lights.
What it means for Sunday
With Russell’s confidence high, Verstappen looming alongside, and McLaren split between rows two and three, the Marina Bay Street Circuit is set for a strategic and track-position battle. The stewards’ DRS rulings have also handed a lift to the midfield, with multiple drivers inheriting crucial starting spots. All eyes now turn to the FIA’s final confirmation — and a race that promises little margin for error.
