Max Verstappen in the Red Bull recorded the fastest time in the qualifying session for Saturday's sprint race at the Singapore Grand Prix. The Dutch driver clocked a time of 1:31.156, confirming the strong form of the Red Bull on a track known for its demanding conditions.
George Russell in the Mercedes finished second, 0.120 seconds behind Verstappen. Charles Leclerc in the Ferrari was third with a 0.243-second deficit, while Kimi Antonelli behind the wheel of the Mercedes took seventh place with a 0.693-second deficit.
Verstappen highlighted the unpredictability of the Singapore track after qualifying. "In Singapore it is always uncertain, during the lap you drive as close as possible to the walls," he said. He added that he did not expect first place: "I did not expect it and I am very happy to be first."
He also reflected on the competitiveness of the car in the recent races. "In the last few races we have been significantly more competitive, but this track highlights certain weaknesses of the car, which we have tried to handle as well as possible during the drive," said Verstappen. He described the specific conditions in the cockpit: "Here it feels like trying to exercise in a sauna. The whole cockpit is hot, feet, body, head. It is never comfortable, but that is what makes this place unique, and we like it."
The sprint race is scheduled for Saturday at 11:00, after which the qualifying for the standard Sunday race will follow. With seven races remaining in the season, Antonelli leads the overall standings in the World Championship with 320 points. Russell is second with 236 points, while Lewis Hamilton is third with 214 points.
