Lando Norris outpaced championship rivals Verstappen and Hamilton to secure pole position in a dramatic qualifying session for the 2024 Singapore Grand Prix.
The McLaren driver delivered an outstanding performance at the Marina Bay Street Circuit, clocking a remarkable lap time of 1 minute 29.525 seconds to finish ahead of Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton.
This achievement not only places him at the front of the grid for the race but also highlights his growing prowess in Formula 1, particularly in a season where he has consistently challenged the established order.
The qualifying session unfolded under the vibrant lights of Singapore, a venue known for its unique night race atmosphere and challenging street circuit layout.
As the session commenced, anticipation was high, especially after Norris had dominated the third practice session earlier in the day, finishing nearly half a second ahead of his closest rivals. His confidence was palpable, and he entered qualifying as the clear favorite to clinch pole.
The first segment of qualifying, Q1, saw several drivers struggling to find their rhythm on the narrow and technical track. Notably, Daniel Ricciardo faced disappointment as he could only manage a time that placed him 16th, just shy of advancing to Q2.
His struggles were compounded by a compromised final lap that left him frustrated amid recent scrutiny regarding his Formula 1 future. Other notable performances included Williams drivers Alex Albon and Franco Colapinto, who showcased their improving form by finishing 11th and 12th respectively.
As Q2 unfolded, the tension escalated with drivers pushing their limits to secure a place in the final shootout for pole. Norris’s primary championship rival Max Verstappen demonstrated his formidable speed and skill by comfortably advancing to Q3.
However, it was his Red Bull teammate Sergio Perez’s performance that raised eyebrows after he failed to make it past Q2, ultimately qualifying in a disappointing 13th position. This outcome underscored the unpredictability of street circuits where grip levels can fluctuate dramatically.
The climax of the session came in Q3, where drivers aimed to extract every ounce of performance from their machines. Unfortunately for Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz, disaster struck early on when he crashed into the wall at the final corner while preparing for his flying lap.
This incident not only ended his qualifying session prematurely but also triggered a red flag that halted proceedings momentarily as the Spaniard’s misfortune meant he would start from 10th position on race day.
With Sainz out of contention, Norris seized the opportunity to lay down an impressive lap time that would ultimately secure him pole. The McLaren driver executed a flawless lap under pressure, showcasing his exceptional talent and composure as he navigated the challenging circuit with precision.
Verstappen followed closely behind but could not match Norris’s pace, finishing just a couple of tenths behind in second place.
Lewis Hamilton made a significant comeback during this session, having struggled throughout practice with balance issues. He managed to secure third place on the grid after outpacing his teammate George Russell, who would start fourth.
McLaren’s Oscar Piastri demonstrated promising potential by qualifying fifth, further solidifying the team’s strong performance during this weekend’s event. The Woking outfit’s resurgence has been noteworthy this season as they continue to challenge traditional powerhouses like Mercedes and Ferrari.
Nico Hulkenberg delivered another commendable qualifying performance for Haas by securing sixth place on the grid. His consistent ability to extract maximum performance from his car has made him a standout performer this season.
Meanwhile, Fernando Alonso capitalized on Ferrari’s misfortunes to qualify seventh for Aston Martin, with Yuki Tsunoda rounding out the top eight for Red Bull. Charles Leclerc found himself down in ninth after having his lap time deleted due to exceeding track limits—a costly mistake that reflected Ferrari’s struggles during this session.
2024 Singapore Grand Prix Qualifying Results
