George Russell delivered a stunning performance to claim pole position for the Singapore Grand Prix, strengthening his case for a Mercedes contract extension with a lap that left rivals trailing.
Russell outpaced Max Verstappen by nearly two-tenths of a second around the Marina Bay circuit, but the Red Bull champion was furious after his final attempt was hindered by Lando Norris. Verstappen backed off his lap, waving in frustration at the McLaren, and later accused Norris of holding him up. “That is what happens when there is a car in front of you and that is noted and will be remembered as well,” Verstappen said, adding that he had lost downforce at a critical moment.
Norris rejected the criticism, insisting he had done nothing wrong and pointing to Verstappen’s team as serial complainers. “They always complain, they complain about everything, that’s Red Bull,” he said.
Despite the controversy, Verstappen had not looked quick enough to topple Russell, who improved on both his Q3 runs. The Mercedes driver’s precision, aided by the team’s new front wing upgrade, underlined a resurgence just as questions linger over his future.
Oscar Piastri took third, while Norris settled for fifth, leaving McLaren still in a strong position with Piastri holding a 25-point title lead heading into Sunday. Kimi Antonelli impressed with fourth for Mercedes, while Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc lined up sixth and seventh.
The weekend was soured for Williams after both cars were disqualified post-qualifying for a DRS infringement, meaning Alex Albon and Carlos Sainz will start from the back.
Sunday’s race promises intrigue: Russell chasing a first win in Singapore, Verstappen eager to break his duck at the circuit and close the championship gap, and McLaren on the verge of sealing a second consecutive constructors’ crown.
