F1 qualifying Singapore GP: George Russell takes stunning pole over Verstappen. Here’s the top 10
Mercedes’ George Russell celebrates after qualifying in pole position. Image Credit: REUTERS/Athit Perawongmetha
George Russell delivered a brilliant qualifying performance under the lights at Marina Bay to claim pole position for the 2025 Singapore Grand Prix. The Mercedes driver, who last secured pole in Canada earlier this season, edged Red Bull’s Max Verstappen by 0.182 seconds in a dramatic Q3 session.
The result marked Mercedes’ first pole in Singapore since Lewis Hamilton’s legendary 2018 lap and provided Russell with momentum after a difficult Friday that saw him crash in practice.
“I knew there was potential in the car,” Russell said. “It was a tough build-up but everything came together when it mattered.”
Verstappen Left Frustrated After Norris Incident
Max Verstappen, chasing a third straight race win, had to settle for second. The Dutchman complained over team radio that Lando Norris compromised his final flying lap by slowing ahead of him on the run to the last corner.
“You can thank your mate for that,” Verstappen’s engineer Gianpiero Lambiase told him. The four-time champion later explained that turbulent air cost him downforce at a crucial moment.
Norris, who qualified only fifth, brushed off the complaints: “They always complain. It’s Red Bull.”
McLaren Struggles Raise Title Questions
Championship leader Oscar Piastri secured third, admitting McLaren lacked pace to match Russell and Verstappen. “My lap felt decent, but we just didn’t have the performance tonight,” he said.
Piastri, however, remains well-placed to extend his 25-point lead over teammate Lando Norris, who will start fifth behind Mercedes rookie Kimi Antonelli.
McLaren team boss Andrea Stella admitted the team’s weaknesses on bumpy, braking-heavy tracks had resurfaced: “We targeted pole, but we’ve seen a pattern where other cars are more competitive in these conditions.”
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Ferrari and Williams Endure Mixed Fortunes
Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc qualified sixth and seventh respectively, leaving Hamilton “disappointed” after feeling tyre management issues cost them better results.
Williams endured the biggest setback of the session, with both Alex Albon and Carlos Sainz disqualified after stewards found their DRS rear wings illegal. The team accepted the FIA’s ruling, confirming they will start from the back or pit lane.
Full Top 10 Qualifying Results
- George Russell (Mercedes) – 1:29.158
- Max Verstappen (Red Bull) +0.182
- Oscar Piastri (McLaren) +0.366
- Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes) +0.379
- Lando Norris (McLaren) +0.428
- Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari) +0.530
- Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) +0.626
- Isack Hadjar (Racing Bulls) +0.688
- Oliver Bearman (Haas) +0.710
- Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin) +0.797
What to Expect in Sunday’s Race
The Singapore Grand Prix promises to be a tense battle, with Russell aiming for his second win of the season. Verstappen remains a major threat starting alongside him, while McLaren’s Piastri and Norris need strong points to maintain their championship push.
With overtaking notoriously difficult at Marina Bay, qualifying positions could prove decisive. Strategy, tyre management, and safety cars will likely shape the outcome.
FAQ – F1 Qualifying Singapore Grand Prix
Q1: Who took pole position for the 2025 Singapore Grand Prix?
George Russell secured pole for Mercedes, beating Max Verstappen by 0.182 seconds. It was his second pole of the 2025 season.
Q2: What happened between Max Verstappen and Lando Norris in qualifying?
Verstappen accused Norris of slowing ahead of him in Q3, claiming it cost him a shot at pole. Norris dismissed the complaint, saying Red Bull “always complain.”
Q3: How did McLaren perform in Singapore qualifying?
Oscar Piastri qualified third, while teammate Lando Norris was fifth. Both admitted the team lacked pace on the bumpy Marina Bay circuit.
Q4: Why were the Williams cars disqualified from qualifying?
Alex Albon and Carlos Sainz’s cars were found with illegal DRS rear wing measurements exceeding FIA limits. Both drivers will start from the back or pit lane.
Q5: What is the Singapore GP starting grid for 2025?
The front row is George Russell (Mercedes) and Max Verstappen (Red Bull). Behind them, Oscar Piastri (McLaren) and Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes) make up row two.
Q6: When is the Singapore Grand Prix race?
The race takes place on Sunday, October 5, 2025, at 13:00 BST. Live coverage is available on Sky Sports F1 and BBC Sport platforms.
Q7: Can George Russell win the Singapore GP from pole?
Russell has a strong chance given the difficulty of overtaking at Marina Bay, but Verstappen’s pace and McLaren’s strategy could still shift the balance.