Formula 1 News: Russell hangs it all out to win Singapore GP pole

Mercedes driver George Russell (pictured) hung it all out and even scraped the wall on his way to winning the pole for the 2025 Singapore GP with a lap of 1m29.158s around the Marina Bay City Circuit.

–by Mark Cipolloni–

It was Russell’s 2nd pole of the season (also on pole in Canada) and his time was good enough to beat Max Verstappen in the #1 Red Bull by 0.182s. However, Lando Norris was going slow in front of Verstappen just as he was to finish his fastest lap that might have been good enough for pole. Verstappen said he won’t forget what Norris did.

“It could have been close for pole – but it is hard when there is a car just cruising two seconds in front. It has been noted,” said Verstappen.

“Amazing to be on pole position,” said Russell. “Yesterday was a very challenging day for many reasons, so it is great to come back and get a result. I knew there was potential in the car, Kimi was doing a great job and I was inspired by what he was doing.”

“Singapore has not been the kindest to me in the past, I think I can hold it into Turn 1 but this guy [Verstappen] is pretty good at race starts so…,” said Russell when asked about whether he can lead into Turn 1 at the start Sunday.

Points leader Oscar Piastri could only manage third best despite driving the superior McLaren, 0.366s behind Russell. “I don’t think we had four tenths in it to get pole.”

Kimi Antonelli was a strong 4th in the second Mercedes, 0.379s behind Russell.

Lando Norris in the 2nd superior McLaren rounded out the top-5, 0.428s behind Russell.

Lewis Hamilton, Charles Leclerc, Isack Hadjar, Oliver Bearman, and Fernando Alonso rounded out the top 10.

So many storylines heading into the 18th Grand Prix of the season. Championship rivals Piastri and Norris are starting third and fifth; they may or may not be in the hunt for the win, but crucially, the Australian is ahead of his team mate.

If Verstappen can pick off Russell though, he might reignite his championship charge.

Antonelli will be hunting a first podium since Canada in what looks to be a quick Mercedes here – Toto Wolff was seen beaming after that Qualifying session.

2025 Singapore GP Qualifying Results