Verstappen takes Singapore pole as Ferrari fall a tenth short

Max Verstappen claimed another pole position at the Singapore Grand Prix, after a session described in the Spanish press as particularly wild. The qualifying results also went against the Spanish drivers: the Asturian will start 16th following Russell’s penalty. Hadjar will line up behind him, after further gearbox trouble with the RB22.

Verstappen set a time of 1:31.373. He beat Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton by a tenth, as Ferrari raised its level in the one-lap contest. Leclerc took second and Hamilton third, but neither could dislodge the Dutchman. Ferrari has few winning options and will have to rely on an excellent start.

Verstappen won the sprint, but did not get away well. He will therefore have to defend his position through the crucial opening metres, despite a Singapore pace that has improved from session to session. The Dutchman completed his lap on a difficult soft tyre, with humidity making the challenge harder. Leclerc could not match that lap; Hamilton made several oversteer errors in the SF-26.

An 11-point lead over Russell could make a title possible at the next round. Verstappen will start at the front in Singapore, in an ideal grid position, but the start looks set to be crucial against Ferrari.