Lando Norris took his fifth pole position of the 2024 F1 season in an exhilarating and unpredictable qualifying session for the Singapore Grand Prix. Notably, he claimed the top spot ahead of championship leader Max Verstappen, who will start alongside him on the front row, while veteran Lewis Hamilton secured a commendable third place. This lineup sets the stage for a thrilling race filled with potential drama and strategic battles between these formidable drivers.
The qualifying session saw Norris outpace Verstappen by a margin of 0.203 seconds, showcasing his impressive form as he vies to close the gap to his rival, currently trailing in the championship by 59 points. The drama unfolded when Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz crashed at the final corner, leading to a red flag that significantly influenced the outcome of Q3. Norris, who was on a promising lap before the incident, rose to the occasion and delivered a superb final lap after the flag was lifted, clinching the pole position.
Max Verstappen, who entered the weekend with high expectations for his Red Bull team, was pleased to join Norris on the front row despite being at a track where Red Bull was expected to find themselves off the pace. This qualifying result allows Verstappen a strategic opportunity to challenge for the race win, as he aims to extend his lead in the championship standings.
Lewis Hamilton’s performance added another layer to the competitive dynamics, having struggled in practice sessions. Nevertheless, he managed to secure third place by narrowly beating his teammate George Russell by just 0.026 seconds. This result not only highlights Hamilton’s resilience but also positions Mercedes as a potential game changer in the title fight as they can intervene strategically in the race.
Oscar Piastri’s strong qualifying effort saw him start from fifth position, ready to capitalize on any opportunities that may arise during the race. Piastri’s teammate Norris is undoubtedly the focal point of McLaren’s aspirations, but Piastri’s talent will be crucial in supporting team strategy. Meanwhile, Nico Hulkenberg and Fernando Alonso will start from sixth and seventh respectively, indicating a competitive midfield battle that could also impact the leaders.
Ferrari, a team expected to challenge for pole, faced disappointment. Charles Leclerc initially registered a seventh fastest time, but a track limits violation led to his lap being deleted, resulting in a ninth place start alongside his teammate Sainz, who will start in tenth after his early exit from Q3. Their struggles illustrate the unpredictable nature of Formula 1, especially at a street circuit like Singapore, where the margin for error is razor thin.
Sergio Perez had a challenging qualifying session, finishing P13 after narrowly missing out on Q3. His struggle highlights the complex challenges Red Bull faces in the Constructors’ Championship, where they are 20 points behind McLaren, and as the season progresses, each race becomes increasingly critical.
One of the more significant storylines unfolding is the uncertainty surrounding Daniel Ricciardo’s future with the team. After being eliminated in Q1 and starting in 16th, his prospects for continuing with Red Bull remain in doubt. Ricciardo needed a standout performance to secure his position, but failing to advance places additional pressure on his career trajectory within Formula 1.
With the grid set, fans can expect an exciting race filled with potential overtakes, strategy calls, and possibly weather conditions that could further complicate matters. The Singapore Grand Prix is known for its night race atmosphere, and with this tightly contested grid, the stage is set for a memorable showdown among the sport’s elite drivers.
Singapore GP Qualifying Timesheet
| Driver | Team | Time |
|---|---|---|
| 1) Lando Norris | McLaren | 1:29.525 |
| 2) Max Verstappen | Red Bull | +0.203 |
| 3) Lewis Hamilton | Mercedes | +0.316 |
| 4) George Russell | Mercedes | +0.342 |
| 5) Oscar Piastri | McLaren | +0.428 |
| 6) Nico Hulkenberg | Haas | +0.590 |
| 7) Fernando Alonso | Aston Martin | +0.689 |
| 8) Yuki Tsunoda | RB | +0.829 |
| 9) Charles Leclerc | Ferrari | No lap time |
| 10) Carlos Sainz | Ferrari | No lap time |
| Knocked out in Q2 | ||
| 11) Alex Albon | Williams | 1:30.474 |
| 12) Franco Colapinto | Williams | 1:30.481 |
| 13) Sergio Perez | Red Bull | 1:30.579 |
| 14) Kevin Magnussen | Haas | 1:30.653 |
| 15) Esteban Ocon | Alpine | 1:30.769 |
| Knocked out in Q1 | ||
| 16) Daniel Ricciardo | RB | 1:31.085 |
| 17) Lance Stroll | Aston Martin | 1:31.094 |
| 18) Pierre Gasly | Alpine | 1:31.312 |
| 19) Valtteri Bottas | Sauber | 1:31.572 |
| 20) Zhou Guanyu | Sauber | 1:32.054 |
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