---
title: "Verstappen beats Russell to Singapore Sprint pole"
canonical: "https://readmotorsport.com/2026/10/09/singapore-sprint-qualifying-results-verstappen-pole/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Gary Gowers"
section: "F1 News"
published: "2026-10-09T13:48:16Z"
modified: "2026-10-09T13:48:16Z"
---

# Verstappen beats Russell to Singapore Sprint pole

**Max Verstappen took pole position for the Singapore Grand Prix Sprint after edging out George Russell in qualifying at Marina Bay.**

The Red Bull driver set a 1:31.156 in SQ3, beating Russell by just 0.120 seconds. Charles Leclerc was third for Ferrari, 0.243 seconds off Verstappen’s time, with Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris fourth and fifth for McLaren.

Lewis Hamilton took sixth in the second Ferrari, followed by Kimi Antonelli and Liam Lawson. Isack Hadjar and Pierre Gasly made it through to SQ3 but did not set a time.

## Verstappen edges out Russell in SQ3

Verstappen had been quickest in SQ1 with a 1:33.477 before Leclerc moved to the top in SQ2, setting a 1:32.246.

The times dropped considerably in SQ3 and Verstappen came out on top. Russell got closest in the Mercedes, while only 0.546 seconds separated Verstappen from Hamilton in sixth.

Further down the order, both Williams drivers went out in SQ1, with Alexander Albon and Carlos Sainz Jnr unable to progress. Cadillac also lost Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas in the opening part of the session.

## Singapore GP Sprint Qualifying results

| Pos | Driver | Team | SQ1 | SQ2 | SQ3 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 1 | **Max Verstappen** | Red Bull | 1:33.477 | 1:32.701 | **1:31.156** |
| 2 | George Russell | Mercedes | 1:33.573 | 1:32.614 | 1:31.276 |
| 3 | Charles Leclerc | Ferrari | 1:33.495 | **1:32.246** | 1:31.399 |
| 4 | Oscar Piastri | McLaren | 1:34.277 | 1:33.106 | 1:31.454 |
| 5 | Lando Norris | McLaren | 1:34.257 | 1:32.572 | 1:31.587 |
| 6 | Lewis Hamilton | Ferrari | 1:33.748 | 1:32.562 | 1:31.702 |
| 7 | Kimi Antonelli | Mercedes | 1:34.392 | 1:32.998 | 1:31.849 |
| 8 | Liam Lawson | Racing Bulls | 1:34.855 | 1:33.133 | 1:32.341 |
| 9 | Isack Hadjar | Red Bull | 1:34.182 | 1:32.947 | — |
| 10 | Pierre Gasly | Alpine | 1:34.673 | 1:33.155 | — |