Mercedes-AMG delivered a strong qualifying performance under the lights at Marina Bay, with George Russell storming to pole position and Kimi Antonelli securing P4 for Sunday’s Grand Prix. It was a day of redemption and promise, as both drivers bounced back from a disrupted Friday to lock in competitive grid spots.
Final practice (FP3) saw the team evaluate overnight changes, with Russell and Antonelli ending the session P3 and P4 respectively—both reporting improved comfort and balance in the car. That momentum carried into qualifying, where both drivers advanced confidently through Q1 and Q2. Antonelli showed impressive composure under pressure, delivering clean laps to reach Q3, while Russell topped the timesheets in Q2 and carried that pace into the final shootout.
In Q3, Russell delivered two blistering laps—both fast enough for pole—securing his seventh career pole and his first in Singapore.
The result also marks the seventh pole position in Singapore for Mercedes-AMG High Performance Powertrains, matching Ferrari’s tally as an engine supplier.
Antonelli improved his time in Q3 but had to settle for P4 after pushing slightly too hard on both laps.
Despite missing out on the front row, his performance was commendable, especially at a circuit he’s never raced before.
In F1 Academy, Doriane Pin finished P5 in the reverse grid race and claimed the fastest lap. She’ll start P2 on the front row for Sunday’s feature race, aiming for victory.
Driver Quotes
George Russell – P1 “It’s been a challenging weekend, and I’ve had to rebuild my confidence with the car. By the end of Q2, I felt I had more lap time in hand and knew I could deliver. Both Q3 laps felt great—it’s a reminder that a tough Friday doesn’t have to define your weekend. Tomorrow will be a fight, especially with Max and the McLarens looking strong on race pace, but we’re starting from the best possible position.”
Kimi Antonelli – P4 “P4 is a bit frustrating. FP3 went well and I was strong in Q1 and Q2, but I over-pushed in Q3 and left time on the table. I think we had a shot at the front row, maybe even pole. Still, I’m happy with how quickly I got up to speed at a track I’ve never driven before. If our race pace is solid, we can definitely fight for the podium.”
Team Leadership Insights
Toto Wolff – Team Principal & CEO “The overnight changes helped both drivers find confidence in FP3. George rebuilt his rhythm after the FP2 incident and delivered two exceptional laps in Q3. Kimi has been right on George’s pace all weekend, which is encouraging. While he couldn’t quite nail his final lap, P4 gives him a great chance to fight tomorrow. With limited long-run data, tyre management will be key—but we’re optimistic.”
Andrew Shovlin – Trackside Engineering Director “Congratulations to George and the teams in Brackley and Brixworth. He found time with every tyre set and made a decisive step in Q3 that others couldn’t match. Kimi did well to recover from traffic in Q1 and track limits in Q2. Splitting the McLarens is a strong result. Tomorrow’s race will be tough—Max and McLaren are always threats on high-degradation tracks—but we’ll be pushing to convert today’s performance into big points.”
Doriane Pin – Mercedes Junior, F1 Academy “P5 in the reverse grid race and fastest lap—solid progress today. I’m learning every session and feeling more confident. Starting P2 tomorrow, I’m fully focused on going for the win.”