Verstappen Takes Singapore Sprint Qualifying Pole

Max Verstappen secured pole position in Sprint Qualifying at the Singapore Grand Prix on Friday, October 9, 2026, at Marina Bay, leading the session while George Russell took second and Kimi Antonelli finished seventh, according to Formula1.com.

The result gave Verstappen the top starting place for the Singapore Sprint after an evening session that saw Mercedes split its driver performances. Formula1.com reported that Antonelli was still running the new-spec car package.

Verstappen produced the fastest lap when Red Bull appeared to overcome a challenging session, while Ferrari had shown strong pace during SQ2, according to Formula1.com's Friday Debrief report.

Russell delivered Mercedes' strongest qualifying result in the session by securing second place. The team entered the weekend comparing different car configurations after recent aerodynamic developments failed to provide expected gains.

Antonelli, the championship leader, continued with the updated package during the Sprint Qualifying session. Formula1.com reported that he ended the session in seventh place behind his teammate Russell.

The Singapore Sprint Qualifying result set the order for the Sprint event at Marina Bay, with Verstappen starting ahead of Russell and Antonelli from their respective qualifying positions.