From Autosport · Stuart Codling · · 1m 20s
Verstappen's Singapore Pole Unpicked
Max Verstappen's Singapore pole position edge over Leclerc revealed by qualifying data.
In brief
Max Verstappen's Singapore pole position edge over Leclerc revealed by qualifying data. Max Verstappen's Singapore pole position came from better lap execution than Charles Leclerc, with Red Bull's straightline speed advantage offset by Ferrari's slow corner performance. Originally reported by Autosport.
Singapore GP Pole Position
Max Verstappen secured pole position for Singapore Grand Prix with Charles Leclerc 0.054s behind.
“I think there was potential to be on pole today, but Max just did a better job”
Qualifying Data Shows Edge
Red Bull enjoyed straightline speed advantage over Ferrari in Singapore qualifying sessions.
“Charles Leclerc said Ferrari could have been on pole position but Max Verstappen simply executed better”
Hamilton's Setup Change
Lewis Hamilton adjusted front wing during qualifying, damaging car balance and slowing lap times.
“Hamilton was fastest in Q1 and Q2 but pre-empted track evolution with a front-wing tweak which damaged his car's balance”
Track Evolution Impact
Hamilton's early front wing change caused oversteer snaps and slower lap times in opening corners.
“Lewis was pre-empting the track evolution a little and it put his car too on those nose”
Red Bull's Speed Advantage
Red Bull maintained 6km/h straightline speed advantage over Ferrari through qualifying laps.
“Max opened his lap with a small top-speed advantage, in the order of 6km/h”
Corner Performance Difference
Leclerc gained 0.1s by Turn 2 but Verstappen clawed back 0.1s by Turn 5 in qualifying.
“By carrying more speed to the apex, Leclerc eked out a tenth of a second by Turn 2”
Turn 13 Scrappy Moment
Verstappen had a brief loss of control at Turn 13 but recovered faster than Leclerc.
“At Turn 13, the light left-hander before the Anderson Bridge, Verstappen had his only scrappy moment of the lap”
Final Chicane Decisive
Verstappen's lighter touch through final chicane secured pole position over Leclerc.
“Whatever balance of virtues the different cars had over the lap, it was Verstappen's lighter touch through this chicane which proved decisive”
Verstappen's Car Confidence
Verstappen described his car as 'in the right window' with fine-tuning for Singapore pole.
“I think the whole weekend already we've had a strong car”
Red Bull's Car Evolution
Red Bull's RB21 car now balances speed and stability for Verstappen's pole position.
“So I knew it was going to be a tight battle, and I think you could see that throughout qualifying”
The bottom line
Max Verstappen's Singapore pole position came from better lap execution than Charles Leclerc, with Red Bull's straightline speed advantage offset by Ferrari's slow corner performance.
