‘Singapore is like no other race week’, says Lando Norris
Max Verstappen will start Sunday’s Singapore Grand Prix from a shock 11th place after Lance Stroll crashed out at 110mph and Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz took pole position.
On a wild night at the Marina Bay Circuit, both Red Bull drivers were eliminated in Q2 leaving the world champions facing an enormous task to retain their unbeaten record this season.
George Russell qualified second, missing out on pole by just 0.072 seconds with Charles Leclerc third for Ferrari, one place ahead of McLaren’s Lando Norris. Lewis Hamilton finished fifth, half-a-second back.
Verstappen was eliminated in Q2 after he bemoaned the handling of the Red Bull machine which has carried him to a record 10 consecutive wins, but has struggled under the bulbs that light up this unique 3.07-mile high-downforce track.
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‘I had a really good run’: Max Verstappen rules out win at Singapore Grand Prix
On a wild night under the 1600 bulbs that light up the Marina Bay Circuit, Aston Martin’s Lance Stroll also walked away from a staggering 110mph shunt, while Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz pipped the Mercedes of George Russell to land his second pole position in as many races. Charles Leclerc will start third ahead of Lando Norris and Lewis Hamilton.
But it was the demise of Red Bull – the unbeaten tour de force of this most one-sided of seasons – that left those here in shock and awe. Verstappen’s team-mate Sergio Perez also failed to reach Q3. He will line up in 13th for Sunday’s 62-lap race.
Kieran Jackson17 September 2023 11:06
What is the starting grid?
Lance Stroll, who qualified 20th, will not take part in Sunday’s race following his high-speed crash on Saturday
Kieran Jackson17 September 2023 11:00
Lance Stroll ruled out of Singapore Grand Prix after huge crash in qualifying
The Canadian driver lost control of his Aston Martin through the final left-hander at the Marina Bay Circuit before he slammed into the barrier.
The force of the high-speed impact sent Stroll’s head rocking from side-to-side. He catapulted back across the track and pirouetted to a standstill in the middle of the circuit.
The Aston Martin driver emerged from his wrecked vehicle unaided before being given the all-clear by the on-track medical team.
Kieran Jackson17 September 2023 10:58
F1 Singapore Grand Prix LIVE!
Good morning and welcome to The Independent’s live coverage of the Singapore Grand Prix!
It was quite the day on Saturday, with both Red Bulls failing to make it to Q3 as Carlos Sainz claimed pole position for Ferrari!
Stay right here for all the build-up and updates – lights out is at 1pm (BST).
(Getty Images)
Kieran Jackson17 September 2023 10:54