Singapore GP predictions: Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton find form

Singapore heads Formula One's calendar this weekend, presenting a challenging test for drivers amid an FIA heat-hazard declaration. Temperatures are expected to soar above 31 degrees, amplifying the pressure on the competitors. Known for its demanding street circuit that demands impeccable braking, traction, and precision, Singapore brings a unique set of challenges to the grid.

Adding intrigue, Singapore marks its inaugural Sprint weekend, with teams granted just one practice session before Sprint qualifying. Our power rankings evaluate the contenders set to arrive in Singapore at their peak form, factoring in recent performance, raw speed, car efficiency, momentum, and how their strengths align with the demanding Singapore circuit.

At number 10, Lando Norris (McLaren) faces a steep climb, having suffered a DNF at Baku and a P9 in Bahrain. McLaren admits their MCL40 was the fourth-fastest car in Malaysia, compounded by Norris' unfortunate gravel incident during a safety car period. McLaren must regain the pace they enjoyed before Baku, yet this proves arduous with unresolved straight-line speed issues plaguing the car. Norris narrowly avoided a collision with Piastri during the race.

Liam Lawson (Racing Bulls) enters Singapore at number 9, originally starting from P12 in Baku and improving to P7 in Bahrain. Ranked 9th in the championship, Lawson's recent performances have impressed Racing Bulls, who displayed genuine competitiveness throughout the weekend. Lawson's pride in his recent progress fuels his eagerness to maintain this momentum.

Emerging at number 8 is Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin), who found solace in Singapore's first Sprint weekend. Aston Martin achieved Q2 for the first time this season with both cars, while Alonso transformed his grid position from 12th to P8. Overcoming the wrong tyre choice, he passed Arvid Lindblad for a points position and maintained Norris behind until the finish. Aston Martin's best result of 2026 came against unexpected retirements and rain interference. Alonso believes there is hope for Singapore.

Oscar Piastri (McLaren) lands at number 7, having needed a strong performance to secure a podium finish. Piastri's best result in Sepang saw him finish P6, effectively the best McLaren could muster. His stronger performance on hard tyres and closing in on Charles Leclerc before the final safety car disruption bodes well for McLaren. Piastri acknowledges the need for further improvement, noting the gap between McLaren and the leaders.

George Russell (Mercedes) occupies number 6, facing adversity with a grid penalty due to an engine change at Sepang. After a P1 finish in Baku, Russell retired in Malaysia. Mercedes acknowledges their reliability issues, with Russell set to start towards the back of the grid in Singapore. The notoriously tricky circuit presents overtaking challenges, further disadvantaging Russell.

Isaac Hadjar (Red Bull) sits at number 5, showcasing consistent brilliance near the front of the grid. Hadjar narrowly missed a podium finish in Baku by just 0.428 seconds to teammate Max Verstappen before a grid penalty saw him start from P8. His recovery to fifth and holding Lewis Hamilton behind demonstrates his resilience. His fifth-place finish since returning from injury is impressive.

Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) claims the fourth position, securing three P4s this season. Ferrari's decision to start on slicks in Baku dropped Leclerc to the back, but he recovered to finish over two seconds behind Hamilton. Ferrari's strategy improvements are evident, and Singapore presents an opportunity to showcase their strengths. Leclerc's qualifying pace will be particularly valuable.

Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes) tops the rankings at number 4, boasting an 84-point championship lead. Despite retiring from Sepang, Antonelli remains optimistic with 18 points to spare. However, concerns linger regarding Mercedes' new package, with Toto Wolff admitting the upgrade yielded fewer tenths of a second than expected. Antonelli's lead is insurmountable, but the team's performance in Singapore remains pivotal.