George Russell Singapore F1 pole 2025 qualifying session delivered drama under the Marina Bay lights, with Mercedes seizing the upper hand. Russell’s pace proved decisive as both of his Q3 laps were strong enough to keep Red Bull’s Max Verstappen and McLaren’s Oscar Piastri behind.
Early Pressure in Q1
Qualifying opened with Verstappen setting the first mark at 1:30.317. The track evolved quickly, and times dropped as grip improved. Racing Bulls rookie Isack Hadjar briefly led before Lando Norris became the first under 1m30s. Lewis Hamilton then posted 1:29.765 to take control. Russell slotted into second with a narrow edge over Norris. Confusion arrived late when Pierre Gasly’s Alpine stopped on track, triggering yellow flags and investigations into several drivers.
Tight Competition in Q2
Verstappen again led early with 1:29.747, but the battle remained close. Rookie Kimi Antonelli stunned with 1:29.649, briefly taking top spot. Russell responded with 1:29.562, a lap Verstappen came within one hundredth of matching. Norris and Piastri completed the top five. Eliminated were Nico Hülkenberg, both Williams drivers, Liam Lawson, and Yuki Tsunoda.
Russell Takes Control in Q3
Russell set the tone immediately with 1:29.165, brushing the barriers in the final corners but keeping momentum. Antonelli, Hamilton, Norris, and Piastri could not match the Mercedes driver. Verstappen threatened with purple sectors, but traffic ahead forced him to abort his lap. His 1:29.340 left him 0.182s off pole.
Key Performers and Final Standings
Behind Russell and Verstappen, Piastri claimed third ahead of Antonelli. Norris lined up fifth, while Hamilton could only manage sixth for Ferrari. Charles Leclerc followed in seventh, with Hadjar, Bearman, and Alonso completing the top ten.
Full 2025 Singapore Grand Prix Qualifying Results
| Pos | Driver | Car | Time | Gap |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | George Russell | Mercedes | 1:29.158 | – |
| 2 | Max Verstappen | Red Bull | 1:29.340 | 0.182 |
| 3 | Oscar Piastri | McLaren | 1:29.524 | 0.366 |
| 4 | Kimi Antonelli | Mercedes | 1:29.537 | 0.379 |
| 5 | Lando Norris | McLaren | 1:29.586 | 0.428 |
| 6 | Lewis Hamilton | Ferrari | 1:29.688 | 0.530 |
| 7 | Charles Leclerc | Ferrari | 1:29.784 | 0.626 |
| 8 | Isack Hadjar | Racing Bulls | 1:29.846 | 0.688 |
| 9 | Oliver Bearman | Haas | 1:29.868 | 0.710 |
| 10 | Fernando Alonso | Aston Martin | 1:29.955 | 0.797 |
| 11 | Nico Hülkenberg | Sauber | 1:30.141 | 0.983 |
| 12 | Alexander Albon | Williams | 1:30.202 | 1.044 |
| 13 | Carlos Sainz | Williams | 1:30.235 | 1.077 |
| 14 | Liam Lawson | Racing Bulls | 1:30.320 | 1.162 |
| 15 | Yuki Tsunoda | Red Bull | 1:30.353 | 1.195 |
| 16 | Gabriel Bortoleto | Sauber | 1:30.820 | 1.662 |
| 17 | Lance Stroll | Aston Martin | 1:30.949 | 1.791 |
| 18 | Franco Colapinto | Alpine | 1:30.982 | 1.824 |
| 19 | Esteban Ocon | Haas | 1:30.989 | 1.831 |
| 20 | Pierre Gasly | Alpine | 1:31.261 | 2.103 |
Summary
George Russell’s pole in Singapore underlines Mercedes’ ability to deliver when it matters. Verstappen’s late traffic trouble sealed the result, leaving McLaren and Ferrari chasing on race day. The stage is set for a tense fight under the Marina Bay lights.
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Source: FIA