2026 Singapore GP Sprint: Verstappen Leads, Bortoleto 14th

First sprint at Marina Bay circuit features fierce competition and timing issues

The weekend of September 10th saw the inaugural 2026 Singapore GP sprint, with pole position claimed by Max Verstappen and Brazilian Gabriel Bortoleto qualifying 14th. The session was marred by timing failures and interruptions that disrupted the pace of the competition.

Pole Position and Classification

Max Verstappen, from Red Bull, set the fastest time (1min31s156) and secured the top spot for the sprint start. George Russell, from Mercedes, took second, pushing Charles Leclerc, from Ferrari, into third position. Oscar Piastri, from McLaren, completed the top-four, while Lando Norris and Lewis Hamilton rounded out the top-six.

Technical Issues During the Session

Qualifying experienced interruptions due to timing failures and the overtake mode not being correctly activated. Sergio Pérez collided at turn 5, damaging his front wing and causing a red flag with approximately six minutes remaining. The timing failure resulted in some lap times, including Bortoleto's final one, initially being discarded and only later accounted for.

Sprint Strategy and Importance

With reduced points awarded to the top eight, the sprint could be crucial in the title fight. At Marina Bay, run-off areas are almost non-existent and overtaking opportunities are rare, making the start and safety car management critical factors. Drivers like Kimi Antonelli, starting from seventh place, will need to rely on a strong start to move up.

Broadcast and Schedule

The sprint race will be broadcast live at 6 AM (Brasília time) this Saturday on Sportv 3. Qualifying for the main race will take place at 10 AM, also on Sportv 3. The Singapore GP, scheduled for Sunday at 9 AM, will be shown simultaneously on Sportv 3 and TV Globo, with real-time coverage on the ge.globo website.

Performance of Brazilian Drivers

Gabriel Bortoleto, from Audi, finished 14th after being eliminated in Q2, just 46 thousandths of a second behind his teammate Nico Hülkenberg, who finished 12th. Despite the elimination, Bortoleto completed a fast lap at the end of the session, demonstrating his ability to react in the face of technical difficulties.

With information from ge, UOL, Estadão.