Max Verstappen criticises Singapore track after claiming sprint and pole double

Max Verstappen secured a double in Singapore on Saturday, triumphing in the chaotic sprint race prior to securing pole position for the upcoming Grand Prix. The Dutch driver, who has faced a challenging season, is now set to achieve back-to-back victories following his recent win at the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia. This victory follows three consecutive podium finishes for Verstappen, the four-time world champion.

Verstappen will partner Ferrari's Charles Leclerc on the front row, while Lewis Hamilton will occupy third place. Championship lead holder Kimi Antoinneni was fourth-fastest for Mercedes. This result means Verstappen will be on pole for his 250th F1 race, marking the first time at the Marina Bay Street Circuit. Earlier, Verstappen demonstrated his pace by winning the eventful sprint race under challenging conditions.

Russell led the pack, but lost control when his Mercedes drifted wide at the final corner due to the wet track conditions, crashing into the wall. In qualifying, Verstappen topped the chart, with Leclerc in second, Hamilton in third, Antoinneni in fourth, Norris in fifth, Russell in sixth, Piastri in seventh, Gasly in eighth, Lawson in ninth, and Lindblad in tenth.

Following his Singapore victory, Russell's retirement and collisions in the sprint amplified Leclerc's championship lead with a 89-point margin. Verstappen expressed dissatisfaction with the sprint format, stating, "I think we shouldn't host a sprint where you can't pass. I'm fine, I just do my thing… but it's not what I like. The overtake mode barely does anything here.

You don't really gain a lot on the straights… we need a longer straight or more of a proper hairpin to overtake."