2026 SINGAPORE GRAND PRIX QUALIFYING AND SPRINT RACE DAY IN PICTURES

George Russell seized the sprint race lead at lights-out in Singapore, the Mercedes W17 punching ahead of Max Verstappen into Turn 1. But McLaren's pace under the Marina Bay lights proved decisive — Oscar Piastri led Lando Norris in a papaya train that carved through to the front, the MCL40 showing the mechanical grip this street circuit demands.

Lewis Hamilton battled his former Mercedes teammate Verstappen after a restart, the Ferrari SF-26 holding its own in wheel-to-wheel combat. Charles Leclerc ran close behind in the sister car, scrapping with the McLarens at the start before settling into the top five. Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes' rookie, kept pace in traffic, shadowing Norris through the twisty sections.

Sunday's grand prix looms with McLaren holding the momentum and Mercedes showing front-running speed few predicted. Singapore's unforgiving barriers and 23-turn layout mean Saturday's setup choices will echo all weekend.