Singapore GP: Lando Norris storms to sensational pole position ahead of Verstappen and Hamilton
McLaren star clocks 1:29.525 under the Marina Bay lights as Carlos Sainz crash disrupts Q3.
Why this one matters
Qualifying at Marina Bay is widely regarded as the most demanding one-hour examination in motorsport, where heat, humidity, and concrete walls punish the slightest miscalculation. On Saturday night in Singapore, Lando Norris met the moment with a breathtaking demonstration of precision.
Piloting his McLaren MCL38 with surgical confidence, Norris posted a blistering 1:29.525 on his final run in Q3. The lap was over two tenths faster than anyone else on the 19-corner street circuit, capturing Norris’s fifth pole position of the 2026 campaign.
Max Verstappen produced a monumental effort to join Norris on the front row. After Red Bull struggled with balance through Friday practice, the reigning world champion wrestled his RB20 through the tight final sector to post a 1:29.728, edging Lewis Hamilton by just 0.113 seconds. Hamilton’s third-place start represents Ferrari’s best qualifying result at Marina Bay this season.
Drama in Q3
The final qualifying segment was thrown into disarray when Carlos Sainz suffered a heavy impact at Turn 19. The Spaniard lost the rear on cold tires while preparing for his flying lap, backing heavily into the barrier and triggering a red flag with eight minutes remaining.
When the session restarted, Charles Leclerc failed to set a competitive time after exceeding track limits at Turn 2, meaning Ferrari will occupy ninth and tenth on the grid. Meanwhile, Mercedes locked down fourth with George Russell, with Oscar Piastri starting fifth for McLaren.
With clean air critical for managing tire temperatures in the brutal Singapore heat, Norris heads into Sunday’s 62-lap grand prix with the ultimate tactical advantage.
Sources
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