Lando Norris pips Max Verstappen to Singapore Grand Prix pole as Brit faces do or die race in F1 calendar

LANDO NORRIS edged out Max Verstappen for pole position as the title-rivals prepare for battle on the front of the grid in Singapore on Sunday.

The Dutchman will be breathing down the McLaren driver’s neck after securing second–place, just ahead of third-place Lewis Hamilton.

Norris knows it is do or die in with the 24-year-old 59 points Verstappen in the driver’s championship with seven races to go.

Carlos Sainz crashed the back of his car into the barriers prompting a red flag in Q3 leaving him to settle for tenth while his ninth-place Ferrari teammate Charles Leclerc had his lap time deleted.

Norris said: “It was tough. I was finding it difficult to progress and get lap time. A lot of the guys around were getting quicker and quicker, it put me under pressure.

“A good feeling, I felt confident, maybe not so much in qualis but we got the job done.

“It gets your heart rate going, it’s good fun , the car has been feeling good. I did the job I had to do today, excited to see what we can do tomorrow.

“I had faith we were quick. I didn’t have to over push, it’s a nice feeling. I kept it cool and did what I had to do.”

Hamilton added: “Qualifying has been a disaster for me all year long. I have been working to try to get myself back up there.

“The car came alive in qualifying, getting that lap at the end was a bit tricky. I’m really grateful. Mechanics have been faultless.

“I hope we’re in a good position to fight for the front tomorrow.”

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