Team Insights from Singapore Sprint and Qualifying

Team Reflections on Sprint and Qualifying in Singapore

The Marina Bay Street Circuit witnessed an eventful Sprint and Qualifying ahead of the Singapore Grand Prix, with drivers and teams sharing their thoughts on the day's performances.

Red Bull

Max Verstappen reclaimed his lead from George Russell in the Sprint after Russell's crash, securing his first win in Singapore. Despite a successful pole in Qualifying, Isack Hadjar's day was marred by reliability issues, forcing him to retire early in the Sprint and struggle with gearbox problems in Qualifying.

**Max Verstappen**, Sprint: 1st, Qualifying: 1st, 1:31.373

"The weekend's been positive so far, with a good car setup and a strong Sprint win. Qualifying was tight, but we managed pole. The main focus now is a clean start in the race."

**Isack Hadjar**, Sprint: DNF, Qualifying: 22nd, No time set in Q1

"The Sprint was tough with engine issues, and Qualifying didn't improve as the gearbox failed. We'll assess and aim for better tomorrow."

**Laurent Mekies, Team Principal**

"Max's pole and Sprint win in tricky conditions reflect his strength. The team has shown consistent improvement. Isack faced challenges, but we'll work to improve for the race."

Ferrari

Lewis Hamilton had a strong start in the Sprint, moving up to second, while Charles Leclerc managed third despite tire struggles. Both drivers were competitive in Qualifying, securing second and third.

**Charles Leclerc**, Sprint: 3rd, Qualifying: 2nd, 1:31.427

"The car felt better in the final laps of Qualifying. Though we hoped for pole, Max was ahead. We'll push hard in the race."

**Lewis Hamilton**, Sprint: 2nd, Qualifying: 3rd, 1:31.496

"A solid day with a double podium in the Sprint and good Qualifying. We aim to convert this into a strong race result."

**Fred Vasseur, Team Principal**

"Both drivers were competitive throughout Qualifying. With good starting positions, we're looking to challenge for the best possible result."

Mercedes

George Russell led the Sprint before a spin ended his race, while Kimi Antonelli stayed out of trouble to finish fourth. Qualifying saw both cars in the top 10, but Russell faces a grid penalty.

**George Russell**, Sprint: DNF, Qualifying: 6th, 1:31.747

"The crash was my mistake, but the team did well to rebuild the car for Qualifying. Starting from the back will be tough, but I'm ready to fight."

**Kimi Antonelli**, Sprint: 4th, Qualifying: 4th, 1:31.562

"We made progress with the car setup, and Qualifying was encouraging. We'll aim for a good race from P4."

**Toto Wolff, Head of Mercedes-Benz Motorsport**

"A complicated day, but we gathered valuable data. With both cars in different positions, we'll look to maximize our points in the race."

McLaren

The Sprint ended with an unfortunate collision between team drivers, leaving Oscar Piastri out and Lando Norris barely holding on for a point. In Qualifying, both drivers placed in the top 10.

**Lando Norris**, Sprint: 8th, Qualifying: 5th, 1:31.712

"Not the result we wanted in the Sprint. Qualifying was tricky, and we'll need to make smart decisions in the race."

**Oscar Piastri**, Sprint: DNF, Qualifying: 7th, 1:31.860

"The Sprint collision was unfortunate, but we've moved on. Qualifying was tough, and we aim to improve in the race."

**Andrea Stella, Team Principal**

"A challenging day with the Sprint incident, but the team worked hard to repair the cars. We'll focus on opportunities in the race."

Racing Bulls

Liam Lawson and Arvid Lindblad both made it to Q3 after a Sprint where Lawson avoided trouble to finish fifth.

**Arvid Lindblad**, Sprint: 13th, Qualifying: 10th, 1:32.781

"Qualifying was better, but grip issues in Q3 limited our pace. We'll analyze the data for the race."

**Liam Lawson**, Sprint: 5th, Qualifying: 9th, 1:32.369

"A good day overall, though I pushed too hard in Qualifying. We'll aim for points in the race."

Alpine

Pierre Gasly showed strong one-lap pace, out-qualifying both Racing Bulls, while Franco Colapinto faced mechanical issues.

**Pierre Gasly**, Sprint: 9th, Qualifying: 8th, 1:32.225

"A mixed day, but Qualifying went well. The race is an opportunity to score points from P7."

**Franco Colapinto**, Sprint: DNF, Qualifying: 16th, 1:33.787

"A frustrating day with mechanical issues. We'll work on improvements for the race."

**Steve Nielsen, Managing Director**

"Pierre's Qualifying was excellent, giving us a chance for points. We'll focus on a smooth race."

Audi

Nico Hulkenberg scored points in the Sprint and will start P10 due to Russell's penalty. Gabriel Bortoleto had a challenging day.

**Nico Hulkenberg**, Sprint: 7th, Qualifying: 11th, 1:32.784

"A positive day with Sprint points and a solid Qualifying. We'll aim for more points in the race."

**Gabriel Bortoleto**, Sprint: DNF, Qualifying: 15th, 1:33.658

"A tough day with the Sprint incident and a Qualifying mistake. We'll try to make progress in the race."

Haas

Both drivers made it to Q2, with Oliver Bearman scoring points in the Sprint.

**Oliver Bearman**, Sprint: 6th, Qualifying: 12th, 1:32.908

"A good Sprint and close Qualifying. We'll look to score more points in the race."

**Esteban Ocon**, Sprint: 10th, Qualifying: 13th, 1:33.323

"A strong Sprint, but Qualifying was challenging. We'll push for points in the race."

Williams

Both drivers faced challenges, with Alex Albon retiring from the Sprint and Carlos Sainz missing Q3.

**Alex Albon**, Sprint: DNF, Qualifying: 18th, 1:34.289

"A tough day with the Sprint incident. We'll aim to recover in the race."

**Carlos Sainz**, Sprint: 12th, Qualifying: 14th, 1:33.526

"Good laps in Q1, but traffic in Q2 hindered us. We'll aim to move up in the race."

Aston Martin

Fernando Alonso finished the Sprint just outside the points, while Lance Stroll retired early.

**Fernando Alonso**, Sprint: 11th, Qualifying: 17th, 1:34.223

"We got the most out of the Sprint, but Qualifying was tough. We'll change the PU overnight for the race."

**Lance Stroll**, Sprint: DNF, Qualifying: 19th, 1:34.946

"A difficult weekend so far with early Sprint retirement. We'll aim to capitalize on opportunities in the race."

Cadillac

Both cars retired from the Sprint, and neither could match the pace of their rivals in Qualifying.

**Valtteri Bottas**, Sprint: DNF, Qualifying: 21st, 1:35.984

"A tough day with deployment issues in Qualifying. We'll see what we can do in the race."

**Sergio Perez**, Sprint: DNF, Qualifying: 20th, 1:35.123

"A challenging day, but we'll work on improvements for a better race tomorrow."

Pirelli

**Dario Marrafuschi, Pirelli Motorsport Director**

"The conditions were challenging, especially with rain affecting parts of the track. Tyre management will be crucial in the race, with the soft tyres likely preferred for the start."