Max Verstappen takes pole for Singapore sprint
Verstappen topped qualifying with a 1:31,156 lap on 09.10.2026 and will start first in tomorrow’s sprint.
Max Verstappen secured pole position for the sprint race at the Singapore Grand Prix after topping qualifying with a lap of 1:31,156, setting him up to start first in tomorrow’s sprint. The result was confirmed following the session held on 09.10.2026 at 18:15.
Mercedes driver George Russell will line up alongside Verstappen after finishing the session 0,120 seconds adrift, while Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc completed the top three with a gap of 0,243 seconds to the pole-sitter.
Top-ten starting order from qualifying
The remainder of the top ten included drivers from McLaren, Ferrari, Mercedes and the Red Bull stable, with Oscar Piastri fourth. The full top-10 from qualifying read:
- 4 — Oscar Piastri (McLaren)
- 5 — Lando Norris (McLaren)
- 6 — Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari)
- 7 — Andrea Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes)
- 8 — Liam Lawson (Red Bull Racing)
- 9 — Isack Hadjar (Red Bull)
- 10 — Pierre Gasly (Alpine)
Verstappen’s pole gives Red Bull the best possible starting position for the sprint, where a strong result can influence grid placement for Sunday’s main Grand Prix and add momentum in the teams’ and drivers’ championship fight.
Tomorrow’s sprint will determine the first rows for the main race, with teams and drivers under pressure to convert qualifying performance into racepace over the short, intense format.
Photo: press material from the event
