Jenson Button Surprised by Max Verstappen's Excitement After Singapore Pole

Max Verstappen had a weekend to remember at the 2026 Singapore Grand Prix. The four-time world champion's excitement was palpable, a sentiment echoed by Jenson Button, who noted he'd never seen Verstappen so thrilled after qualifying. The Dutch driver secured his first pole position at Marina Bay, a feat that had eluded him until now.

Verstappen's performance in Singapore was nothing short of stellar. Following a victory in the Sprint race, he clinched the pole position with a lap that underscored his prowess on one of the more challenging circuits. This pole is his 50th in Formula 1, a testament to his consistency and skill.

In an interview with Jolyon Palmer post-qualifying, Verstappen expressed his satisfaction with his performance. "It was good, just very close," he remarked, highlighting the tight competition throughout the session. The achievement was particularly meaningful as the Singapore circuit was the last on the calendar where he hadn't yet claimed a pole.

Jenson Button, speaking on Sky Sports F1, was struck by Verstappen's reaction. "I've never seen him get that excited about qualifying on pole," Button observed. Initially, it seemed like Lewis Hamilton might take pole, but Verstappen's pace was undeniable during the closing laps.

Looking ahead to the race, Verstappen has the opportunity to complete a perfect weekend by securing a win on Sunday. This would be his first Grand Prix victory in Singapore, a notable gap in his otherwise illustrious career. However, starting from pole is no guarantee, as Charles Leclerc in P2 poses a threat, especially given George Russell's successful start in the Sprint.

Verstappen's pole position at Singapore is more than just a number. It's a personal milestone and a moment of excitement for a driver known for his calm demeanor. As the race approaches, all eyes will be on him to see if he can convert this pole into a victory on one of Formula 1's most demanding tracks.