Overview
- Max Verstappen set the fastest lap to take sprint pole at Marina Bay with George Russell second, Charles Leclerc third and Oscar Piastri fourth.
- Race control errors first blocked the cars' temporary power boost called 'overtake mode' after a red flag, then briefly activated it for 27 seconds and a separate timing system fault delayed SQ2.
- The FIA said it corrected the timing records and declared the current lap times valid for the sprint despite the procedural problems.
- Sergio Perez crashed into a barrier and caused the SQ1 red flag, and stewards investigated Verstappen for an alleged yellow‑flag overtake but accepted his explanation and issued no penalty.
- George Russell keeps his sprint starting slot but will take a 40‑place grid penalty for Sunday after multiple power‑unit changes, a result that will force Mercedes and rivals to revise race tactics and could affect championship dynamics given Kimi Antonelli's large lead.