The starting grid is confirmed for the 2026 Singapore Grand Prix Sprint, with Ferrari lining up Charles Leclerc in third place and Lewis Hamilton sixth at Marina Bay. Max Verstappen starts from pole for Red Bull ahead of George Russell, while the two McLarens occupy the positions immediately ahead of Lewis Hamilton.
It is the final Sprint race of the 2026 Formula 1 season, with the short Saturday contest set to take place between the walls of Marina Bay. Ferrari showed encouraging pace during Friday’s running, but the grid leaves the Scuderia with two very different starting situations as it looks to challenge at the front.
Charles Leclerc starts the Singapore Sprint from third
George Russell had been the fastest driver in the only free practice session, beginning the weekend strongly despite the penalty that will force the Mercedes driver to start the Grand Prix from the back of the grid.
Ferrari also looked competitive during practice, although the key question was whether that pace could be converted into a strong qualifying result. Charles Leclerc ultimately secured third on the Sprint grid, placing the Monegasque directly behind Max Verstappen and George Russell.
The Ferrari driver’s latest Singapore performances and qualifying results can be followed through the Charles Leclerc Ferrari news section.
Lewis Hamilton lines up sixth behind both McLarens
Lando Norris finished third in practice for McLaren, but the Sprint Qualifying order changed during the competitive session. Lewis Hamilton eventually secured sixth place and will start behind Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris.
That leaves the seven-time world champion on the third row, with Kimi Antonelli directly behind him in seventh. The British driver’s Ferrari campaign and latest race-weekend developments are covered in the Lewis Hamilton Ferrari news section.
Sergio Pérez crash interrupts SQ1
The opening phase of Sprint Qualifying was interrupted after Sergio Pérez hit the barriers and damaged the front of his Cadillac. The incident initially brought out yellow flags before the session was stopped with a red flag.
When SQ1 resumed, the remaining drivers had six minutes to complete their runs. Max Verstappen ended the phase fastest ahead of Charles Leclerc and George Russell.
Timing problem delays SQ2
SQ2 was then delayed by an issue with the timing system. Several lap times had not initially been recorded correctly, but the problem was resolved and the remaining 15 drivers were eventually able to line up in the pit lane and return to the circuit.
The final qualifying order then established the full grid for Saturday’s Sprint, with Ferrari securing third and sixth through Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton respectively.
Full 2026 Singapore GP Sprint starting grid
- Max Verstappen – Red Bull
- George Russell – Mercedes
- Charles Leclerc – Ferrari
- Oscar Piastri – McLaren
- Lando Norris – McLaren
- Lewis Hamilton – Ferrari
- Kimi Antonelli – Mercedes
- Isack Hadjar – Red Bull
- Liam Lawson – Racing Bulls
- Pierre Gasly – Alpine
- Franco Colapinto – Alpine
- Nico Hulkenberg – Audi
- Oliver Bearman – Haas
- Gabriel Bortoleto – Audi
- Fernando Alonso – Aston Martin
- Esteban Ocon – Haas
- Arvid Linblad – Racing Bulls
- Lance Stroll – Aston Martin
- Alexander Albon – Williams
- Sergio Pérez – Cadillac
- Valtteri Bottas – Cadillac
Carlos Sainz will start the Sprint from the pit lane following a suspension change.
For Ferrari, Charles Leclerc’s third place provides the clearest opportunity to challenge the leaders from the start, while Lewis Hamilton faces a more difficult task from sixth in traffic. With the entire Sprint grid now confirmed, track position will be crucial around a circuit where overtaking can be difficult and mistakes are heavily punished.
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