Dramatic Singapore qualifying day delivers shocks and storylines
The 2025 Singapore Grand Prix weekend produced a flurry of headlines across final practice and qualifying. Mercedes seized pole with George Russell, Williams suffered a double disqualification, Liam Lawson endured a second heavy incident in as many days, and Max Verstappen voiced frustration over traffic from Lando Norris.
Williams disqualified after DRS infringement
Williams saw both cars removed from qualifying results following routine FIA post-session checks. Irregularities were found with the DRS slot gaps on the FW47 machines of Alex Albon and Carlos Sainz. The pair had originally qualified 12th and 13th before being disqualified.
FP3: Verstappen edges Piastri
Max Verstappen topped final practice with a 1m 30.148s, narrowly beating championship leader Oscar Piastri by just 0.017s. The tight margin set the tone for a closely fought qualifying session to come.
Qualifying: Russell takes pole for Mercedes
George Russell delivered when it mattered, improving by 0.007s on his second Q3 lap to secure pole position for Mercedes. He headed Verstappen and Piastri, while Kimi Antonelli out-qualified Lando Norris, who ended the session fifth.
Lawson's second crash of the weekend
Liam Lawson suffered another setback with a crash at Turn 7 in FP3. After riding the kerb on exit, his car was unsettled and went into the wall, marking his second major incident in two days. The Racing Bulls driver acknowledged a tough weekend and offered a massive thank you to his team for twice rebuilding the car.
Verstappen vs Norris: late-lap frustration
Verstappen abandoned his final Q3 attempt near the last corner and later pointed to Norris as a factor, suggesting the McLaren had compromised his chance at pole. The Red Bull driver signaled that the moment would be remembered.
Key takeaways
- Williams disqualified from qualifying over DRS slot-gap irregularities after FIA checks.
- FP3: Verstappen quickest on 1m 30.148s, Piastri just 0.017s behind.
- Qualifying: Russell on pole for Mercedes; Verstappen and Piastri next up, with Antonelli ahead of Norris in fifth.
- Lawson crashes again at Turn 7 in FP3 and thanks his team for rebuilding efforts.
- Verstappen unhappy with Norris over late Q3 traffic.
With grid intrigue and simmering rivalries, the Marina Bay race promises strategic tension and high stakes under the lights.
