Verstappen takes pole position for Singapore GP ahead of Ferrari pair

Red Bull Racing's Dutch driver Max Verstappen drives during the qualifying session ahead of the Formula One Singapore Grand Prix at the Marina Bay Street Circuit in Singapore on October 10, 2026.
LILLIAN SUWANRUMPHA / AFP / Getty

Max Verstappen continued his strong form by grabbing pole position for Sunday's grand prix in Singapore.

The Dutchman, who won the sprint race earlier Saturday morning, was fastest in qualifying at the Marina Bay Street Circuit, beating out the Ferrari pair of Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton.

This is the first time Verstappen has taken pole position for a grand prix in Singapore. It's the 50th pole overall in his illustrious career.

Position Driver Team Time
1 Max Verstappen Red Bull 1:31.373
2 Charles Leclerc Ferrari +0.054
3 Lewis Hamilton Ferrari +0.123
4 Kimi Antonelli Mercedes +0.189
5 Lando Norris McLaren +0.339
6 George Russell Mercedes +0.374
7 Oscar Piastri McLaren +0.487
8 Pierre Gasly Alpine +0.852
9 Liam Lawson Racing Bulls +0.996
10 Arvid Lindblad Racing Bulls +1.408
11 Nico Hulkenberg Audi Q2
12 Ollie Bearman Haas Q2
13 Esteban Ocon Haas Q2
14 Carlos Sainz Williams Q2
15 Gabriel Bortoleto Audi Q2
16 Franco Colapinto Alpine Q2
17 Fernando Alonso Aston Martin Q1
18 Alex Albon Williams Q1
19 Lance Stroll Aston Martin Q1
20 Sergio Perez Cadillac Q1
21 Valtteri Bottas Cadillac Q1
22 Isack Hadjar Red Bull Q1

"It was good, very close, the margins are very close between all of us. Very happy to be on pole as of course, this is the one I wanted. The car has been strong all weekend," Verstappen said after setting the quickest time in Q3.

"New regulations, our car now works a bit different compared to the different regulations. We have been on a positive trend."

Though Mercedes' George Russell qualified sixth, he'll begin Sunday's race from the back of the grid due to an engine penalty, further damaging his chances of catching teammate Kimi Antonelli in the race for the title.

Russell will start the grand prix alongside Verstappen's Red Bull teammate Isack Hadjar, who didn't set a time in qualifying due to an engine issue.

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