Max Verstappen displayed sharp wit while reflecting on his qualifying performance at the 2025 Max Verstappen Singapore GP, where he narrowly missed securing pole position. Speaking after the intense session at the Marina Bay Circuit, the Dutch driver implied that Lando Norris had hampered his chances for the top starting spot, adding a sarcastic edge to his remarks amid the competitive battle.
Verstappen’s weekend started positively with strong pace, topping FP3 and positioning himself well for qualifying. Despite his efforts, George Russell clinched the pole position, pushing Verstappen to start from second on the grid. This outcome came after Verstappen felt a competitor’s car was cruising ahead, effectively blocking his best lap in the final Q3 moments—a situation he hinted was caused by Norris rather than Oscar Piastri, who qualified third.
Verstappen’s Witty Critique of Norris on Pole Position Battle
During a post-qualifying interview, Verstappen expressed frustration about missing out on pole due to an obstacle on track. He explained that battling for pole would have been much closer if not for a slow-moving car two seconds ahead, cleverly emphasizing that the “car cruising” wasn’t Piastri’s but rather a McLaren vehicle, an indirect jab clearly aimed at Lando Norris. His lighthearted, yet pointed, comment drew attention on social media, capturing the tension behind the scenes.
“It could have been close for pole – but it is hard when there is a car just cruising two seconds in front. It has been noted. Not Oscar.” Max Verstappen said in a post-race interview.
Verstappen’s Overall Performance Seen as Encouraging at Singapore
Heading into the Singapore GP, Verstappen had not yet secured a victory at the Marina Bay Circuit, a track known for its challenging conditions and technical demands. However, his recent resurgence in form during the final stretch of the 2025 season has bolstered expectations. Starting second, Verstappen described the weekend as “solid,” appreciating a clean, trouble-free run through qualifying and practice sessions.
He acknowledged how Red Bull’s car performance, coupled with the team’s efforts from Milton Keynes, has been improving, making his competitive position stronger than in previous visits. Though a win still eludes him in Singapore, Verstappen’s consistent pace indicates good momentum heading into the race.
“So far this weekend has been a solid one, no major trouble. We were always kind of there.” Max Verstappen said in a post-session conference.
Red Bull’s Team Challenges and Season Outlook
While Verstappen continues to deliver strong results, Red Bull faces ongoing challenges with their second driver, Yuki Tsunoda, who has yet to break into Q3 qualifying at this event. The team remains focused on securing every available point in the closing seven races of the season to improve their standing. Currently positioned behind leading constructors, Red Bull aims to contend for a top-three finish in the championship, relying on Verstappen’s consistent performances and overall resilience.
With a positive trajectory in the latter part of the year, Verstappen and his team are determined to capitalize on their progress at circuits like Singapore and beyond, setting the stage for a compelling conclusion to the 2025 Formula 1 season.
Max Verstappen: It could have been close for pole – but it is hard when there is a car just cruising two seconds in front. It has been noted. Not Oscar. 🤣🤣🤣🤣
— Junaid #JB17 (@JunaidSamodien_) October 4, 2025
max: ''so far this weekend has been a solid one, no major trouble. we were always kind of there.'' pic.twitter.com/ZclpbSNKPI
— nini (@SCUDERIAFEMBOY) October 4, 2025
