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2h ago

Russell Takes Singapore Pole, Piastri Third as McLaren Pace Falters

Grip changes from new tarmac curtailed McLaren’s advantage.

McLaren were only one-thousandth of a second faster than last year in Singapore
Oscar Piastri says his focus in Singapore for the race will be maximising points, not keeping Lando Norris behind him. Image: XPB Images
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Overview

  • George Russell secured pole with a 1:29.158, with Max Verstappen joining him on the front row.
  • Oscar Piastri qualified third ahead of Lando Norris in fifth, keeping a 25-point championship lead and vowing to chase maximum points rather than manage his teammate.
  • RaceFans’ data showed McLaren found virtually no year-on-year gain, with Piastri’s 1:29.524 just 0.001 seconds quicker than the team’s 2024 pole as resurfacing and tyre behavior limited pace.
  • McLaren can clinch the Constructors’ Championship on Sunday with a single podium finish.
  • FIA scrutineering disqualified Williams drivers Alex Albon and Carlos Sainz Jr for rear-wing non-compliance, sending them to the back, while Norris said he has been unwell this weekend.