Resurgent Russell on pole for Singapore GP ahead of Verstappen and Piastri

George Russell made it four different pole position sitters in as many grands prix, as the Mercedes AMG F1 driver pulled out a couple of stunning laps to upset the odds and finish ahead of Max Verstappen and Oscar Piastri.

A best time of 1m21.158s meant that Russell, who finished an impressive second in Baku, has the crucial pole advantage come race day. But is was more disappointment for Lando Norris, who could only manage fifth on the grid behind the second Mercedes of Kimi Antonelli.

“Amazing to be on pole position today,” Russell told Sky Sports afterward. “It was a challenging day for many reasons, but it was good to come back and get a good result today.

“I knew there was potential in the car, Kimi [Antonelli] was doing an amazing job and I actually gained quite a lot from seeing what he was capable of doing yesterday afternoon, so very happy to be on pole.”

Letting it all sink in 👏#F1 #SingaporeGP pic.twitter.com/PmKovhx2r7

— Formula 1 (@F1) October 4, 2025

For Monza and Baku winner Max Verstappen, second on the grid represents another superb effort in a season that is gathering momentum right at the critical moment.

“It’s always exiting here in qualifying and of course I’m always disappointed to not be first, but for us this weekend so far has been really good, the car has been very competitive. So first and second again is very good.”

Third on the grid also represents a best-case scenario for the title hunting Piastri, who will be delighted to start two places ahead of his teammate and closest rival.

“Obviously I would have wanted more, but I don’t think we had four tenths in it to go and get the pole, so ultimately pretty happy, I feel like it’s been a pretty good weekend so far and built up through it nicely and ultimately a clean session so far, and that’s all it counts for.”

For Norris, having failed to capitalise on Piastri’s early exit in Baku, qualifying represented another blow to his diminishing title chances on yet another circuit where overtaking is at a premium.

“Mercedes are doing a very good job, Red Bull as we’ve seen the last few races isn’t a surprise. Singapore as we’ve seen before is always a bit of a weird one and we know that whenever we struggle, we struggle with the front tyres. The whole weekend we’ve been struggling with the front tyres. We clearly have work to do.”

But the final word must go to Russell, who is clearly on something of a charge following his Baku result and a Mercedes contract still to negotiate.

“I’m not going to get carried away with this pole position of course, but it’s the best place to start. There’s a good pole side advantage here so I’d like to think I can hold the lead into turn 1.”

That Singapore pole position feeling 🤩✨ @GeorgeRussell63#F1 #SingaporeGP pic.twitter.com/9ibqkAWhHd

— Formula 1 (@F1) October 4, 2025

George Russell secures his first Singapore pole position, with Max Verstappen alongside him on the front row 👀

Here’s our full Quali classification 📊#F1 #SingaporeGP pic.twitter.com/fwuLOsr6DJ

— Formula 1 (@F1) October 4, 2025

The Singapore GP offers one of the biggest tests for the drivers on the calendar for a variety of reasons. Because the race takes place at night, the drivers effectively have to adapt quickly back to European time and adjust their body clocks accordingly from the flight over from Baku.

That’s not all the drivers have to cope with. The extreme humidity and soaring cockpit temperatures mean the drivers have to take on plenty of fluid to compensate for the up to 3kg of body weight they can lose in the race.

Click here to read tech guru Craig Scarborough’s comprehensive guide to the mechanics and tech of the Singapore Grand Prix.

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