Lewis Hamilton showed encouraging form in qualifying for the Singapore Grand Prix on Sunday, despite Max Verstappen securing pole position. The seven-time world champion topped the first two practice sessions and came close to clinching his first full pole since 2023, but Verstappen ultimately edged ahead in the decisive moments of Q3.

Verstappen set the fastest lap during the initial run of the final qualifying segment, a time no other driver could surpass. Charles Leclerc was the only competitor to improve in the latter stages but fell short of overtaking the Dutch driver. Hamilton, meanwhile, expressed optimism about his car’s performance and the race prospects.

“Another difficult Q3, the car was feeling so much better. I felt like she had more in her. Finding that sweet spot is very, very difficult,” Hamilton said after qualifying. He added that the team aims to collaborate effectively in the race to challenge Verstappen’s Red Bull and potentially seize the lead.

George Russell qualified sixth ahead of the application of a grid penalty, which will affect his starting position for the race.

The Singapore Grand Prix is scheduled to begin at 3 p.m. local time, with live coverage available on Sky Sports F1.