Russell-Verstappen front row, McLaren title crowning and more: What to expect in the Singapore Grand Prix

George Russell stormed to a dominant pole in qualifying, and will be joined by Max Verstappen on the front row — with the McLarens not far behind set to wrap up their Constructors’ title under the lights. Here’s everything to look out for in Singapore, the host of Formula One’s original night race.

George Russell took his seventh pole of his career for the Singapore Grand Prix | Credit: Formula One

It was pure elation for George Russell as he set two blazing Q3 laps around the streets of Singapore, shattering the record for the fastest lap at the circuit with his 1:29.158.

Although Max Verstappen was a contender for pole, a scruffy final lap and dirty air from Lando Norris ahead on track meant the Dutchman had to settle for second – but will be intent on securing victory at the only track on the calendar he hasn’t won at.

Here are the five things to watch out for ahead of the 2025 Singapore Grand Prix.

Lap 1 action between Russell, Verstappen and an opportunistic Piastri

The last time Russell and Verstappen shared the front row was back in Canada, and while that race start was void of drama, Russell keeping his position on Lap 1 and going on to win the race, the two drivers have had a history of engaging in contact that might spice up the action at the Singapore Grand Prix – now that Verstappen has a slim chance of stealing the Drivers’ title.

In fact, akin to the Canadian Grand Prix, the second row is occupied by Oscar Piastri followed by Kimi Antonelli.

Watch out for Piastri who is known to be aggressive on the opening lap, and will no doubt challenge Verstappen for second, while Antonelli will hope to get an early pass done to fight for a second podium in his maiden season.

With key title rival Lando Norris further behind, Oscar Piastri will hope to extend his championship lead | Credit: Formula One

Russell intent on securing a second 2025 win – and his future

Following a standout performance in qualifying that saw the Briton take the record of the fastest lap around Singapore from Daniel Ricciardo who saw out the season here in 2024, Russell will be eager for a straightforward pole-to-flag victory.

Facing rough competition from Verstappen behind, but having the advantage of the all important track position at the Marina Bay Street Circuit, Russell’s efforts on Sunday will help bolster his efforts in locking down a thus far elusive contract extension with Mercedes.

While Russell has stated that “there's nothing to worry about” and that “it will get done when it gets done”, a dominant victory in Singapore will only strengthen his negotiations for a strong contract from Mercedes to secure a long-time future in F1.

McLaren wrapping up the Constructors’ Championship

In need of just 13 points this weekend to secure a historic 10th Constructors’ title, McLaren’s chances of celebrating under the lights of Singapore rest on whether Piastri can hang on to the podium spot or not.

If Mercedes manage a double podium like in Canada, or outscore McLaren by 31 points, the wait will go on to Austin. 

With Norris out of the top four for a second consecutive weekend, starting fifth, McLaren’s hopes of finally cracking open the champagne after passing up the opportunity to celebrate in Baku rest on Piastri – who will also have an agenda of his own.

Starting two spots higher than his nearest title rival, the Australian will be eager to put some more points on the board to draw out the gap between himself and Norris.

Ferrari fighting from the back – yet again

While Ferrari showed flashes of potential on Friday, and even through Q1 and Q2, their pace evaporated during the crucial moments of qualifying meaning that Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc will start from sixth and seventh on the grid.

Charles Leclerc will start seventh, having been outqualified by Lewis Hamilton | Credit: Formula One

Singapore has been historically kind to Ferrari, but the Italian outfit faces a steeper uphill climb this time out with their lower starting positions and quicker rivals ahead, similar to their predicament in Baku last time out.

For Ferrari, the goal will be to not slip back any further, and attempt to mount a challenge on Norris and Antonelli ahead.

Can the drivers beat the heat?

A Heat Hazard was declared for the Singapore Grand Prix, meaning that all cars will be running a Driver Cooling System, with several components mandated to be added to the cars. 

However, the cooling vest and personal equipment part of this protocol remain an optional choice for drivers, and those electing to forego the equipment will have to carry 0.5kg of extra ballast to equalise weight compared to fellow competitors using the complete cooling package.

With temperatures set to reach heights above 30 Celsius, keeping cool will be paramount to clean drives. While chances of a repeat of the 2023 Qatar Grand Prix will be minimal, drivers’ ability to manage the heat inside the cockpit, especially for rookie drivers on their first Singapore outing, will be essential throughout the 62 laps.