Leclerc races to pole position in qualifying in Singapore
Created: 10/01/2022 16:17
Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc drove to pole position.
© Mohd Rasfan/AFP POOL/AP/dpa
Ferrari star Charles Leclerc takes first place on the grid in the Singapore Grand Prix.
In the Formula 1 qualifier, the Monegasque came out on top in 1:49.412 minutes, 0.022 seconds ahead of Sergio Perez in the Red Bull.
Singapore - Third-placed record world champion Lewis Hamilton was also close to his first pole position of the season, just 0.054 seconds behind.
World champion Max Verstappen surprisingly only came in eighth place in the second Red Bull.
The Dutchman was 1.983 seconds behind Leclerc, who was second in the World Championship, and surprisingly stopped his last fast lap.
The five-time Singapore winner Sebastian Vettel only drove his Aston Martin in 14th place, Mick Schumacher had to be content with 13th place in the Haas racing car.
For World Cup points, the two Germans still have to improve in Asia.
Sebastian Vettel missed the second knockout round in the Aston Martin in 14th place.
© Vincent Thian/AP/dpa
If Verstappen wins the race on Sunday (2 p.m. / Sky), he can complete his successful title defense early on and become world champion for the second time.
However, he has to keep his main competitor Leclerc and his stable rival Sergio Perez at a distance.
Before the 17th of 22 rounds of the season, Verstappen leads Leclerc with 116 points.
After the Grand Prix, he would need a 138-point lead to triumph.
Otherwise, the decision will be postponed to next week in Japan.
dpa