By: Following the Sprint Race, the lights came on at Marina Bay for qualifying. Here is a detailed rundown of what happened during the session.
Q1: Hamilton pushes as Mercedes struggle
The drivers quickly took to the track, with Franco Colapinto the only exception. Lewis Hamilton made a strong start, setting the first flying lap in 1'33''311. After everyone had completed their first run, Lando Norris led the way, ahead of Piastri and Verstappen. Hamilton was fourth and Leclerc seventh, while Bearman impressed in fifth. Power unit problems for Isack Hadjar forced him back into the pits and brought his qualifying session to an end: he will start from the back tomorrow.
At the chequered flag, it was a Ferrari 1-2, with Hamilton still ahead of Leclerc. Antonelli was 12th, followed by Russell, who, as a reminder, will start from the back tomorrow. Eliminated in Q1 were Alonso, Albon, Stroll, Perez, Bottas and Hadjar.
Q2: Hamilton on fire as Leclerc struggles
The cars returned to the track, with Russell and Antonelli leading the field. The Bologna-born driver went quickest with a 1'32''165, but Hamilton beat him by half a second to return to the top of the timesheets. Verstappen was third, while Leclerc was seventh and reporting a lack of grip.
As Hamilton continued to improve his times and sweep aside the opposition, the battle at the back centred on the remaining places in Q3. Eliminated in Q2 were Hulkenberg, Bearman, Ocon, Sainz, Bortoleto and Colapinto. The Racing Bulls pair and Gasly performed well to reach the top 10.
Q3: the Lion returns to pole
The final minutes would decide the starting grid. After the first runs, Max Verstappen held provisional pole with a 1'31''373, ahead of Hamilton and Antonelli, with Leclerc fourth. Norris was fifth and Piastri seventh. The drivers returned to the pits before heading back out for their final attempts.
At the chequered flag, Max Verstappen claimed pole position, ahead of an excellent Leclerc and Hamilton, who made an error in the final sector on his last attempt. Antonelli was fourth. The full classification is set out below.
All the news, photos, weather, session times and times from the Singapore GP 2026
