George Russell underlined his value to Mercedes with a stunning pole position at the Singapore Grand Prix, producing a near-perfect lap to outpace Max Verstappen by almost two-tenths of a second.
While Russell celebrated a statement drive that strengthens his case for a contract extension, Verstappen was left frustrated. The world champion aborted his final lap, gesturing angrily at Lando Norris, who he claimed obstructed him by driving too slowly on an in-lap. “That is what happens when there is a car in front of you and that will be remembered,” Verstappen said, insisting the McLaren cost him crucial downforce through the final corners.
Norris dismissed the complaint, retorting: “They always complain, they complain about everything, that’s Red Bull. I didn’t even know, I was like three seconds ahead or something.” The stewards confirmed the Briton had broken no rules.
Regardless of the dispute, Russell’s pace looked formidable. His first Q3 run was quick despite brushing the wall, and his second, cleaner lap extended his advantage. The upgraded Mercedes front wing appeared to deliver results, and Russell, still recovering from illness, made the most of it.
Behind them, Oscar Piastri took third, with Kimi Antonelli producing an eye-catching drive for fourth in the other Mercedes. Norris settled for fifth, while Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc will line up sixth and seventh. Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz dropped to the back of the grid after both Williams cars, including Alex Albon, were disqualified for DRS infringements.
The Marina Bay street race now sets up a fierce contest. Russell is hungry for a first Singapore win, Verstappen is desperate to break his own duck at the venue, and Piastri knows a podium could extend his title lead. McLaren also have the constructors’ crown in sight: 13 points on Sunday will confirm their second successive championship.
