The Singapore Grand Prix weekend moves quickly into its competitive phase with the 100-kilometre Sprint at Marina Bay, round 17 of the 2026 Formula 1 season. Max Verstappen will lead the field away for Red Bull, while championship leader Kimi Antonelli faces a more complicated Saturday from seventh on the grid.
Verstappen takes Sprint pole at Marina Bay
Verstappen produced the fastest lap in Sprint qualifying to secure the front position, putting Red Bull ahead of George Russell’s Mercedes and Charles Leclerc’s Ferrari.
- Max Verstappen starts first for Red Bull.
- George Russell lines up second in the Mercedes.
- Charles Leclerc takes third place on the grid for Ferrari.
- Lewis Hamilton starts sixth in the second Ferrari.
- Kimi Antonelli, the championship leader, begins from seventh.
The result puts Antonelli in the position of having to recover places in a short race that still carries consequences for the wider title campaign. The Sprint is held under the lights at the Marina Bay Street Circuit and forms the first on-track contest of the Singapore weekend.
Mercedes comparison adds to the discussion
The differing Mercedes specifications have become a point of attention after qualifying. Russell is racing with the team’s previous configuration, while Antonelli has the newer upgrades intended to improve performance.
Yet it was Russell who secured a front-row start, with Antonelli behind both Ferraris. The contrast gives Mercedes a direct comparison during the Sprint, while Antonelli must protect his championship position from a less favourable starting slot.
Sprint points and viewing details
Only the first eight finishers score points in the Singapore Sprint, making a clean recovery essential for the drivers starting outside the leading group.
| Finish | Points |
|---|---|
| 1st | 8 |
| 2nd | 7 |
| 3rd | 6 |
| 4th | 5 |
| 5th | 4 |
| 6th | 3 |
| 7th | 2 |
| 8th | 1 |
The race is scheduled for 11:00 in Italy and will be shown on Sky Sport Uno, Sky Sport F1 and free-to-air channel TV8. Streaming coverage is available through TV8’s website, Sky Go and NOW.
