# Singapore GP 2026: Verstappen pips Russell to sprint pole

> Verstappen edges Russell for Singapore GP sprint pole after red flag chaos.
- Title: Singapore GP 2026: Verstappen pips Russell to sprint pole
- Summary: Verstappen edges Russell for Singapore GP sprint pole after red flag chaos. Red Bull's Max Verstappen secured pole position for Singapore Grand Prix sprint…
- Keywords: max verstappen, george russell, singapore grand prix, sprint qualifying, red flag, marina bay street circuit, sports, Singapore, 2026, Verstappen, pips, Russell
- Source: Sportstar — https://sportstar.thehindu.com/motorsport/max-verstappen-wins-pole-position-f1-singapore-grand-prix-2026-sprint-qualifying-details/article71566996.ece
- Author: Reuters
- Published: 2026-10-10T02:35:12+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: max verstappen, george russell, singapore grand prix, f1, sprint qualifying, red flag, marina bay street circuit, sports
## Sprint pole set
Red Bull driver Max Verstappen set fastest time of one minute 31.156 seconds in Singapore GP sprint qualifying.
## Verstappen leads
Verstappen pipped Mercedes driver George Russell by 0.120 seconds for pole position in Singapore GP sprint race.
## Russell's position
Russell secured second place after power unit penalty and 40-place grid penalty for Sunday.
## Red flag incident
First sprint qualifying session red flagged due to Sergio Perez crash and debris on track.
## Verstappen's comments
Verstappen said the track requires maximum effort with close proximity to walls.

> It’s closer in Singapore. Your lap itself, you’re pushing as hard as you think is possible, close to the walls in places
## Verstappen's strategy
Verstappen noted soft tyres improved car performance but expected track weaknesses.

> Once we bolted on the soft tyres, it felt like the car was coming alive a little bit more. But I did not expect this, so, of course, very happy to be first
## Russell's comments
Russell expressed satisfaction with P2 position despite yellow flag investigation.

> We’ve been competitive all day, from the first laps in FP1. We obviously topped the timesheets there
## Investigation underway
Verstappen under investigation for overtaking Hamilton under yellow flags in SQ1.
## FIA statement
FIA confirmed red flag impact on timing but second and third periods unaffected.

> The FIA acknowledges that this unfortunate human error had an impact on the performance of certain cars based on the timing of their run and their position around the lap
## Key takeaway

Red Bull's Max Verstappen secured pole position for Singapore Grand Prix sprint race by 0.120 seconds over Mercedes' George Russell despite red flag disruptions.