Singapore Grand Prix starting grid shaken up after engine change

The Spaniard failed to make it through the first qualifying session and had to settle for the seventeenth-fastest time. Aston Martin will have to work through the night because of the engine change. As a result, Alonso will have to start from the back of the grid.

After qualifying, Alonso explained why the decision was made to change the engine: "We had problems the whole day on the engine, on the Sprint race, but also now it seems that we are losing a lot of time at the exit of the corners. You cannot predict when the engine will give up. So, unfortunately, we had this happening on this weekend, and we seem to lose a lot on the exit of the corners, a lot of power, a lot of momentum, so we need to investigate and know why."

Aston Martin's Chief Trackside Officer, Mike Krack, hopes the decision to replace Fernando Alonso's power unit will improve the team's prospects in Sunday's Singapore Grand Prix. Reflecting on a difficult Saturday, Krack pointed to contrasting fortunes in the Sprint, with Lance Stroll retiring following contact with Sergio Perez, while Alonso gained four positions to finish 11th.

However, neither driver showed sufficient pace to progress beyond Q1 in qualifying. Following Alonso's feedback, Aston Martin decided to change his power unit ahead of the race. Despite the disappointing result, Krack remains hopeful that the team can capitalise on any opportunities that arise during Sunday's Grand Prix.

It was already announced earlier that George Russell would have to start from the back. Before the weekend began, it was revealed that Russell’s engine would be replaced. The Briton retired last week with power-unit problems, so the team decided to replace it. He received a total grid penalty of 40 places. With Alonso now also having changed his engine, he moves up one place. The same applies to Alexander Albon, Lance Stroll, Sergio Perez, Valtteri Bottas and Isack Hadjar.

Max Verstappen enjoyed a better Saturday and took pole position. The Dutchman kept both Ferraris behind him and will therefore start the race from the front. Pole position was still missing from Verstappen’s list of achievements, and he admitted that it was one he really wanted.