F1 – Singapore Grand Prix LIVE: Lap-by-lap updates as Lando Norris starts on pole ahead of Max Verstappen as he looks to close the gap to his title rival

Verstappen surprisingly finished fifth on this tough street circuit in Marina Bay last year, taking his third world title. Now he has a real chance of his first GP win since Spain in June.

The Red Bull star put in a stunning final qualifying lap to slot himself onto the front row alongside Norris, with the start proving crucial in Verstappen’s bid to overtake the McLaren.

Expect a challenge entering the first corner between the two drivers and possibly even some contact, as Verstappen knows that if Norris takes the lead early, his Red Bull will struggle to keep up with the McLaren.

Early intervention is Verstappen’s mission.

Lando Norris can regain even more ground on Max Verstappen in the world championship race with a victory today and from pole position he has a great chance of doing so.

The McLaren driver has just given his opinion on a packed grid and expects to get ahead of Verstappen into the first corner, but he warned Red Bull should not be underestimated.

“Good start. I’ve been confident all weekend, we’ve outperformed all the other teams on the grid and that’s incredible,” he told Sky Sports.

‘I have to do my job, but I’m confident. I see every race on the monute as an opportunity, and try to win every race, win every pole.

‘I’m racing against great guys, people forget that Red Bull is still Red Bull and that Max is a multiple world champion. I enjoy it, but it’s tough.’

Max Verstappen was in a rather rebellious mood yesterday during the press conference after qualifying.

His previous encounter had resulted in him being given a community service order, similar to the Formula 1 measure.

He clearly had this in mind when journalists asked him questions after he put his Red Bull into second place for today’s race.

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There were many reports circulating ahead of this weekend’s race that Daniel Ricciardo would be replaced by Liam Lawson at RB after this race weekend.

It’s not confirmed yet, but it was a topic discussed with a number of drivers during Thursday’s press conference.

Ricciardo will start today from sixteenth, eight places behind teammate Yuki Tsunoda.

So it was Lando Norris, who started at the front today with his sixth pole position of his career, ahead of Max Verstappen, who looked better after his recent problems in his Red Bull.

The two Mercedes drivers Lewis Hamilton and George Russell will start ahead of the winner of the previous race in Baku, Oscar Piastri.

Disappointing session for Ferrari yesterday as Charles Leclerc saw his lap time dropped and now lies ninth, just ahead of Carlos Sainz who crashed out.

And welcome to Mail Sport’s live blog of the Singapore Grand Prix.

There is a lot at stake in this year’s race in terms of the drivers’ championship.

Lando Norris will start on pole position, ahead of his title rival Max Verstappen, as the McLaren driver tries to close the 59-point gap to the championship leader.

But can Verstappen or someone else stop Norris from taking his third win of the season?

We will be there from 1:00 PM during the construction and will provide live updates.