Overview
- Max Verstappen set the fastest time in SQ3 to take Sprint pole on Friday, with George Russell and Charles Leclerc completing the top three.
- George Russell led Friday free practice on fresh pace but fitted a new power unit after Sepang damage, a change that will force him to start the Grand Prix from the back of the grid.
- The FIA opened an investigation into Verstappen for an alleged yellow‑flag infringement during qualifying that could lead to a penalty and alter starting positions.
- Mercedes ran different upgrade packages across its two cars and Kimi Antonelli, on the new updates, qualified seventh and reported a roughly six‑tenths deficit to Russell, raising doubts about the update’s effectiveness.
- Ferrari showed competitive single‑lap speed but said flawless execution is needed at Marina Bay, a tight street circuit where track position, starts and pit strategy will decide who can convert pace into victory.