Max Verstappen Takes Pole From Charles Leclerc by 0.05s; Alonso to Change Engine

Max Verstappen will start from pole position at the Singapore Grand Prix of Formula 1. The Dutch driver stopped the clock at 1:31.373, a time slower than the Friday mini-pole, yet sufficient for Verstappen to claim P1. Only a half-tenth separated him from Charles Leclerc.

Disappointment in the Aston Martin ranks. Fernando Alonso was eliminated in Q1 on a circuit that should have favored Singapore. The problem lay with the engine. Already in the Sprint there was a lack of speed, and in qualifying it was confirmed that Alonso will have to change the engine for Sunday.

Russell and Hadjar will start at the back of the grid

Max Verstappen has clinched his first pole in Singapore. The four-time world champion posted a time slower than Friday’s, but enough that no one could beat him. The Ferraris looked like favorites, but they were unable to complete the perfect lap and will now have to mount their challenge from the start.

Lewis Hamilton had dominated the early rounds of qualifying, suggesting he might take pole. But the Briton made small errors in both Q3 attempts, leaving him in third place. He will start behind even Charles Leclerc, who, with a magical lap, surged to second.

In his world, Kimi Antonelli remains, with a prime opportunity to further cement the championship. The Italian will start fourth, while his team-mate, George Russell, will start from the back of the grid due to an engine change. Russell had qualified sixth, but that will not help him from there.

The back of the grid will host another driver eager to climb through the field. Because Isack Hadjar could not set a time in Q1 as his Red Bull suffered the same technical issue that knocked him out of the Sprint. So the two will spice up the race with overtakes. Alonso will also try.

Because Alonso was eliminated in Q1 in Singapore. The Asturian had been suffering from an engine problem since the Sprint, and it worsened in qualifying. So Alonso will have to change his engine for Sunday and start at the back of the grid or from the pits. Carlos Sainz will start thirteenth.

The McLarens will once again be side by side, with Lando Norris fifth and Oscar Piastri sixth. A focal point of tension after the sprint’s upheaval. Pierre Gasly has lined up seventh on the grid with his Alpine, ahead of the two Racing Bulls, Liam Lawson eighth and Arvid Lindblad ninth, poised to add to their tally again.

Qualifying results Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix 2026

Images | Alpine, FIA