Singapore Grand Prix Qualifying Recap
Carlos Sainz delivered a standout performance in the Singapore Grand Prix classification, securing second place in a thrilling finish that came hot on the heels of Monza. He kept pace with the pace-setting Mercedes and Ferrari rivals, with a lap time that underscored his consistency. Fernando Alonso, meanwhile, secured seventh on the grid after advancing to Q3 for the fifteenth time this season, demonstrating his continued form at street circuits.
Red Bull entered Marina Bay with challenges. Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez were eliminated earlier than expected in the second phase, a rarity for the team that has dominated recent seasons. The moment added a layer of unpredictability to the title fight, raising questions about how the race would unfold on Sunday at 15:00 local time.
The opening qualifying session unfolded amid heavy traffic on the narrow Singaporean track, culminating in a dramatic moment when Lance Stroll crashed at the exit of the final corner during the last seconds of Q1. The high-speed incident sent debris across the run-off area and damaged barriers, forcing a red flag that paused proceedings while crews secured the scene.
LANCE STROLL’S BEST CRASH IN SINGAPORE!!
Tremendous impact against the guard rails at high speed. The car was extensively damaged, and the incident became a highlight reel for the weekend. #SingaporeDAZNF1
— DAZN Spain (@DAZN_ES) September 16, 2023
Fortunately, the Canadian driver exited the car without major injury. The wreckage left a trail along the track, and the barrier repairs required a temporary halt to the session. After the red flag, Verstappen briefly blocked the pit lane exit as the investigation into the move against Tsunoda began, potentially inviting a sanction later.
Stroll, along with Valtteri Bottas, Oscar Piastri, Nyck de Vries, and Guanyu Zhou, were eliminated as the qualifying session ended unusually early for several top contenders. The day’s general standings invited fans to consult the overall World Championship table for context.
[Consulta la clasificación general del Mundial de F1]
The second qualifying segment started with Sainz and Alonso on track again, though Alonso encountered some difficulty refining his lap. Verstappen held the fastest time initially from the front row, yet others quickly challenged him. Magnussen, Norris, Sainz, and a resurgent Alonso all beat the Dutchman’s early time, each improving on the soft tire as the session progressed and briefly moving ahead of him with a best lap around 1:31.8 to gain temporary advantage.
Two Red Bulls, KO
UNBELIEVABLE! VERSTAPPEN WAS TAKEN TO THE STREET!
Max Verstappen and Checo Pérez found themselves outside the cut line as the second quarter concluded. The two Red Bulls faced a tougher-than-expected session, with Russell shaving nearly a tenth off Verstappen’s pace and the team unable to push their times further in the closing minutes. Gasly, Albon, and Tsunoda also did not advance to Q3, intensifying the mood around the team’s Singapore strategy.
After Friday’s fastest time, Carlos Sainz sustained his lead into the third practice and carried the best overall time of 1:31.4 into Q3, ahead of Russell and Alonso. Ferraris managed to reserve a fresh set of tires, a strategic edge in the pole-spot battle that would unfold later in the session.
[Calendario de la temporada de F1]
Pole
The moment the lights flipped, Sainz produced a flawless lap of 1:31.170, earning provisional pole position and nudging teammate Leclerc by nearly three-tenths of a second. The performances of Norris, Russell, and Hamilton made sure Alonso stood in sixth as the final laps approached.
TELL MEHETHEHAVE
Yes, @Carlossainz55 you did it again ❤️#SingaporeDAZNF1
— DAZN Spain (@DAZN_ES) September 16, 2023
With one last attempt available, Sainz put together a spectacular final sector, holding off rivals and delivering a clean, aggressive second sector that showcased his capability under pressure. The lap of 1:30.984 sealed his second consecutive pole after Monza and marked the fifth pole position of his F1 career. The lap demonstrated both precision and nerve, putting him in the prime position to challenge for victory.
Russell finished in second, just 0.072 seconds behind, while Leclerc took third on the grid. Alonso, after a strong run, failed to capitalize on his final lap and settled for seventh place. The result was a reminder that even the mighty can slip on a Singapore street circuit, a place where the sport has delivered both dramatic comebacks and heart-stopping moments for fans around the world.