Ferrari takes pole, Verstappen is “shocked”

Carlos Sainz has secured pole position for the Formula 1 night spectacle in Singapore. Almost world champion Max Verstappen, on the other hand, experienced a debacle.

September 16, 2023

From: dpa

The Spaniard relegated Mercedes driver George Russell to second place on Saturday in a thrilling qualification with the completely surprising early failure of leader Max Verstappen.

Sainz's Ferrari teammate Charles Leclerc came third ahead of Lando Norris in the McLaren. For Sainz it is the fifth pole of his career and the second in a row, but for Ferrari it is an excellent starting position for the race on Sunday (14 p.m.).

Verstappen out early

Verstappen missed making it into the final period at the Marina Bay Street Circuit in eleventh place. “I don't know what to say. “It’s shocking to experience,” Verstappen radioed to the pits.

“I don’t know what to say.” Max Verstappen

The two-time world champion, who has never won in Singapore, was seven thousandths of a second behind newcomer Liam Lawson, who was once again replacing the injured Daniel Ricciardo in the Alpha Tauri. Verstappen's teammate Sergio Pérez was also eliminated in the second knockout phase. Most recently, both missed making it into the top ten in Russia in 2018.

Lance Stroll after his crash. © APA/afp / LILLIAN SUWANRUMPHA

After a serious accident involving Canadian Aston Martin driver Lance Stroll, qualifying had to be interrupted for around half an hour. He radioed to his team from the car that he was okay.