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Max Verstappen, George Russell and Oscar Piastri, the top 3 in Singapore GP qualifying. Photo: RacePictures.

Russell wary of Singapore threat, Verstappen targets Norris and Stewards, Piastri balks at lack of pace

16:51, 04 Oct

Updated: 17:16, 04 Oct

byNorberto Mujica

George Russell is aware he will have to defend his pole position tomorrow from a dicey Max Verstappen who has words for Lando Norris and the Stewarding body, as Oscar Piastri acknowledges McLaren's lack of pace.

Russell aware of Singapore GP dangers

Speaking after the qualifying session that saw him take his first-ever Singapore Grand Prix pole, Russell remembered the difficulties he endured on Friday, whilst recognising teammate Andrea Kimi Antonelli's performance and the Italian's role in delivering the potential of his car.

He said: "Amazing to be on pole position. Yesterday was a very challenging day for many different reasons but good to come back and get a result.

"A long sweaty race tomorrow but I knew there was potential in the car. Kimi was doing an amazing job all weekend.

"I gained quite a lot to see what he [Antonelli] was capable of doing yesterday. Very happy to be on pole."

Russell has not had much luck at Singapore since his debut in 2019 and knows that Verstappen poses a real threat to his race on Sunday.

"Singapore hasn't been the kindest to me in the past, that's been through my own doing the majority of the time," he added.

"I won't get carried away with pole. Of course, it's the best place to start. There's a good pole-side advantage but I like to think I can hold the lead but this guy [Verstappen] is good at race starts and sending it down the inside."

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George Russell and Max Verstappen after qualifying for the Singapore GP. Photo: RacePictures.

Verstappen pins pole failure on Norris and makes a dig at the Stewards

When asked what had gone awry with his final push lap, Verstappen explained: "That's what happens when there's a car in front of you just cruising two seconds in front!"

Regarding the incident and the way he predicted it would be judged by race officials he delivered a clever quip. "That's noted, it will be remembered as well," he said.

When pushed for clarification on who had been the driver in question, he hinted at title rival Norris, who could not climb higher than P5.

"Not Oscar. So that was a bit of a shame, otherwise I think it could have been close for pole," he added.

"It's always very exciting here in qualifying. Of course I'm disappointed to not be first, but for us this weekend so far has been really good. The car has been very competitive, so for us to be second again is very good," the Red Bull Racing driver concluded.

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George Russell and Oscar Piastri after qualifying for the Singapore GP. Photo: RacePictures.

McLaren didn't have the pace for pole

When asked reagrding his P3, Piastri kept his contribution short and blunt. "I would have wanted more today but I don't think we had four tenths in it to get pole," he said.

"Ultimately, pretty happy. It's been a good weekend so far and built up to it nicely. A clean session and that's all I can ask for."

You can view the full report for qualifying for the Singapore Grand Prix here, and the full results here.

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