Max Verstappen unleashed his frustration after a heated qualifying session at the Singapore Grand Prix, where tensions flared between him and McLaren’s Lando Norris. The Red Bull driver, who narrowly missed out on pole position, accused Norris of obstructing his final lap attempt. Mercedes’ George Russell stunned the grid with an outstanding 1:29.158 lap, securing pole and edging out Verstappen by two-tenths of a second, while McLaren’s Oscar Piastri finished third, continuing his consistent championship form.
Verstappen, visibly displeased, vented over the team radio as his engineer remarked, “You can thank your mate for that,” following the disrupted run. The world champion later warned that the incident “will be remembered,” suggesting growing friction with the British driver. Despite the setback, Verstappen expressed confidence in Red Bull’s pace and determination to challenge for his maiden win in Singapore, after recent triumphs in Monza and Baku that kept him within striking distance of another world title.
Lando Norris, meanwhile, found himself fifth on the grid, a far cry from his dominant victory at Marina Bay a year ago. The McLaren star admitted that overtaking on Singapore’s tight circuit would be difficult, conceding that the team’s pace was not on par with Mercedes or Red Bull. “This track is all about qualifying,” he noted. “If you’re starting where we are, it’s about fighting for second or third.” The Englishman acknowledged the uphill task ahead, with clean air being crucial for maintaining position.
Oscar Piastri, leading the championship standings, also voiced surprise at McLaren’s relative lack of pace under the floodlights. The Australian driver remained composed, confident that the team could analyze data and make necessary adjustments before the race. His third-place grid position keeps McLaren in contention for both the Drivers’ and Constructors’ Championships, the latter of which they could seal this weekend with another podium finish.
Adding to the weekend’s drama, both Williams drivers were disqualified from qualifying after failing a technical inspection, forcing them to start from the back of the grid. The Singapore Grand Prix has also been declared the first official “Heat Hazard” race due to extreme conditions, with drivers advised to wear liquid-cooled vests. Verstappen, however, dismissed the new gear, saying, “I don’t like the tubes and belts—this should be a driver’s choice.” As the lights prepare to go out, the stage is set for an intense battle of strategy, endurance, and pride under Singapore’s sweltering skyline.
