Verstappen clinches Singapore sprint pole, edging out Russell and Leclerc
Max Verstappen topped Saturday’s sprint qualifying in Singapore, putting him on pole for the 2024 sprint race.
Max Verstappen secured pole position for the Singapore Grand Prix sprint race on Saturday, posting the fastest lap in the short‑format qualifying session. The Red Bull driver edged out George Russell by a narrow margin, while Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc rounded out the top three, according to Anadolu Ajansı.
Verstappen’s pole‑winning lap was recorded at 1:36.587, just 0.158 seconds quicker than Russell’s time. Leclerc, who had been the fastest in the final practice session, posted a 1:36.842, placing him third on the grid. The sprint qualifying format, introduced to add extra excitement to race weekends, consists of three knockout stages and determines the starting order for the 100‑km sprint race that will take place later on Sunday.
The result reinforces Verstappen’s dominance in the 2024 championship, as he now leads the drivers’ standings with 140 points, a full 30 points ahead of his nearest rival. Mercedes, represented by Russell, will be hoping to capitalize on the sprint race to close the gap, while Ferrari will look to Leclerc to mount a challenge in the main Grand Prix. Both teams have highlighted the importance of a strong sprint performance, as points earned can be pivotal in a tightly contested title fight.
For Indian fans: The sprint race is scheduled to start at 10:30 IST on Sunday, with the main Grand Prix following at 19:00 IST. Both sessions will be streamed live on FanCode, which holds the official broadcasting rights for Formula 1 in India. The night‑time setting of the Marina Bay Street Circuit promises a spectacular visual experience, and the sprint format adds an extra layer of drama for viewers.
Verstappen’s pole position also means he will start from the front for the sprint, giving him a strategic advantage in the fight for the additional sprint points on offer. If he can convert the pole into a sprint win, the Red Bull driver could extend his championship lead further before the main race begins.
Source: Anadolu Ajansı