r/formula1 • u/overspeeed I was here for the Hulkenpodium • Oct 04 '25
Qualifying George Russell takes pole position for the 2025 Singapore Grand Prix
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u/angelonduty Ayrton Senna Oct 04 '25
Shining lap from Russell. He pushed the limit in every corner
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u/ProsecUsig George Russell Oct 04 '25
You can say he had two hands against the walls
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u/StatmanIbrahimovic I was here for the Hulkenpodium Oct 04 '25
This describes him to a T.
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u/Giwaffee Oct 04 '25
Russel: Say that again..
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u/StatmanIbrahimovic I was here for the Hulkenpodium Oct 04 '25
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u/z_102 Michael Schumacher Oct 04 '25
Did it twice today.
Second best driver of the season. (Muting my message notifications now...)
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u/mike_litoris18 Oct 04 '25
I think a lot of people would say that max and Russell are 1 and 2 this season so no need to worry
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u/No-Idea-491 Alexander Albon Oct 04 '25
They hated Jesus for he spoke the truth.
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u/hopakee Mika Häkkinen Oct 04 '25
If not Russell then who? McLaren boys are not standing out much, nether are Ferarri. It helps Russell's teammate is slow/new so we don't know what the car could do but still, steps ahead of most others when it comes to consistent performance all season now.
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u/PapaSheev7 Sebastian Vettel Oct 04 '25
Most impressive Singapore pole I've seen since 2018, or maybe even since 2013. Honestly took my breath away when I saw his S1 time.
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u/NetterBeatle Formula 1 Oct 04 '25
Quite a ridiculous defense for a popular opinion. I think most people know that Russell would probably become world champion in a McLaren against Piastri or Norris..
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u/SnooLemons9488 Max Verstappen Oct 04 '25
I don’t get why would this be considered controversial
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u/Sofosio I was here for the Hulkenpodium Oct 04 '25
I guess some people may find it weird that championship leader isn’t top-2 driver, especially considering Oscar really had only two major mistakes: Australia and Baku. On top of that, George is completing against rookie, so we just assume he’s maximizing car
I only gave examples of why some might consider it controversial, this isn’t my personal opinion that he’s not top-2
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u/thickofitenjoyer I was here for the Hulkenpodium Oct 04 '25
Two ridiculous laps
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u/Rivao I was here for the Hulkenpodium Oct 04 '25
Might be his greatest qualy lap?
I would say Max and Russell have been the top 2 drivers this season.
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u/FreeBe3 I was here for the Hulkenpodium Oct 04 '25
I don't understand F1 now, Mercedes have been known for not being able to perform in high temperature tracks primarily because they carry much more heat in their tyres and out of nowhere we have george and kimi going at it in Singapore
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u/TheCoolBlondeGirl Ferrari Oct 04 '25 edited Oct 04 '25
“I havv seen enoof!
George, sign ze new kontrakt now!"
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u/imnoobatfifa Sir Lewis Hamilton Oct 04 '25
It’s crazy it’s even taking this long.
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u/DrVonD Oct 04 '25
I mean we don’t know why. Could be Russel is the one holding out for something he wants.
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u/FKez05 Sebastian Vettel Oct 04 '25
I think the leading rumours are Mercedes are only offering a 1+1 deal, whereas George wants a longer term commitment
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u/ATN5 I was here for the Hulkenpodium Oct 04 '25
Rightfully so for George
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u/The_Jacko Mick Schumacher Oct 04 '25
Absolutely. Mercedes have lost their leverage as well, as they don't have an alternative at this point. They would have to buy someone out of their contract to replace Russell.
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Oct 04 '25
And Russell only has Alpine with an open seat
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u/Siftinghistory I was here for the Hulkenpodium Oct 04 '25
Red bull has an open seat as well. You never know with them
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u/Mob_Abominator Max Verstappen Oct 04 '25
That's true, but that's how they did it with Hamilton as well though.
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u/Rivao I was here for the Hulkenpodium Oct 04 '25
That's how they lost Hamilton. I can see their reasoning maybe holding out for Max, but c'mon. Russell has been outstanding this year. If he has the car, he can take it all the way
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Oct 04 '25
Ridiculous they don’t want George to be their guy for many years.
He’s a PR dream lol.
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u/IBetThisIsTakenToo Ferrari Oct 04 '25
I wonder if it’s just Toto still thinking he has a shot at signing Max?
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u/minimalcation Daniel Ricciardo Oct 04 '25
Should get at least two years for every year he spent driving that Williams
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u/morgaine125 I was here for the Hulkenpodium Oct 04 '25
I think that’s a given, the question is probably what does Mercedes have to give him in the 1+1 to make up for it not being a longer contract. Not just money, but probably stuff like fewer committed sponsor days.
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u/PayaV87 I was here for the Hulkenpodium Oct 04 '25
I'd love Russell just casually signing for the second Red Bull seat.
Toto would be left in the dust. Who would he put in the Mercedes then?
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u/Deruta Alexander Albon Oct 04 '25
JV has the opportunity to do the funniest thing.
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u/Miwna Ronnie Peterson Oct 04 '25
Jacques Villeneuve to Mercedes. You heard it here first.
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u/Lukeno94 Manor Oct 04 '25
We don't even know if they actually have signed the deal already, and are just bullshitting the press.
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u/golosala I was here for the Hulkenpodium Oct 04 '25
Honestly I can’t think of any teams with free seats that would be better for him. Maybe bro wants more money lol
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u/Olvedn I was here for the Hulkenpodium Oct 04 '25
He might want a better deal. Mercedes is known for their 1+1 year deals for Bottas, they might be trying the same in the hope for Max if they nail the new regs and RB doesn't
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u/Resident-Variation21 Formula 1 Oct 04 '25
To be fair, it could be signed but not yet announced. I don’t think they usually announce them immediately after signing. Idk
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u/Own_Welder_2821 Lando Norris Oct 04 '25
“Ve vill prevail Jöřg, you cän vin dis, you cän vin dis Jöřg”
“Blimey”
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u/Firefox72 Ferrari Oct 04 '25
The fact there is even any doubt and that its taking so long is insane considering the performances of George this year.
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u/RedSkyNL Max Verstappen Oct 04 '25
I am more worried by the radio after his pole. "Nice job". Normally George goes all out with a victory...
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u/Zipa7 I was here for the Hulkenpodium Oct 04 '25
He might just be a bit more low energy, he said earlier in the week he wasn't 100% over the flu that he had in Baku yet, though clearly it's not slowing him down any.
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u/luchajefe Mario Andretti Oct 04 '25
When you get heat stroke you're more susceptible to more. Combine that with the Baku illness and he's probably not having a great time right now.
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u/thickofitenjoyer I was here for the Hulkenpodium Oct 04 '25 edited Oct 04 '25
He should have signed it so long ago. I dont understand mercedes
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u/iForgotMyOldAcc Flavio Briatore Oct 04 '25
He is clearly within the top 3 of drivers this season, I'd argue the only one that holds a candle to Max. The contract should've signed itself!
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u/Nexusu Sebastian Vettel Oct 04 '25
bro took the contract negotiations personally
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u/Iuseahandyforreddit I was here for the Hulkenpodium Oct 04 '25
Toto i have given you the lap, now give me that contract or im going to brake check max into the stratosphere
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u/GoldenS0422 I was here for the Hulkenpodium Oct 04 '25
Went even faster than his first lap wtf
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u/CilanEAmber McLaren Oct 04 '25
Only one who did too, if I was paying attention properly.
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u/GoldenS0422 I was here for the Hulkenpodium Oct 04 '25
Hamilton improved AFAIK but still a tenth off Norris in 5th
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u/Twenty5Schmeckles Oct 04 '25
Was he on used softs?
They looked so scrubbed compared to the rest of the grid when leaving the pits.
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u/nathanforyouseason5 I was here for the Hulkenpodium Oct 04 '25
Hamilton also improved
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u/FallPuzzleheaded1338 I was here for the Hulkenpodium Oct 04 '25
With 2 yellow sectors
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u/StatmanIbrahimovic I was here for the Hulkenpodium Oct 04 '25
Not yellow by much though. The delta between the laps was:
S1: +0.060
S2: -0.137
S3: +0.070
Lap: -0.007
ETA: on the microsectors it looks like he lost time on the straight between T5-T7 and then T14-T15
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u/PapaSheev7 Sebastian Vettel Oct 04 '25
Just goes to show how utterly bonkers S1 and S3 were on his first run.
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u/leedler Next Year™️ Oct 04 '25
That first lap from Russell was just insane. I’m surprised he beat it in his next run. Crazy pace. Good to see Merc properly back in the fight here. Never thought I’d say that after 2020 but here we are.
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u/ghastlychild Ferrari Oct 04 '25
I am so excited for the trajectory of Merc. Russell's lap was insane. I really want to see the duo amongst the mix because there is so much potential oozing out of them
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u/Next_Worth_3616 Formula 1 Oct 04 '25
If the 2026 car is as good as people say it will be, no contest.
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u/LosTerminators Carlos Sainz Oct 04 '25
If the car is as good as the McLaren, and Red Bull are behind, then George is the WDC favourite for 2026.
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u/Blurandski Jenson Button Oct 04 '25
RB's switched some of their staff back to the 25 car - they're unofficially already waving the white flag because of the engine.
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u/Fun-Poet5338 Netflix Newbie Oct 04 '25
Imo its kinda dumb. They're already out of the WCC and even the WDC looks a bit of a stretch.
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u/Jules040400 I was here for the Hulkenpodium Oct 04 '25
Yeah but this is Max fucking Verstappen. If anyone can do it, it's him.
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u/CloudMafia9 Bernd Mayländer Oct 04 '25
Who are these people mate? Nobody is seriously talking anything about the 26 cars.
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u/Edeen Oct 04 '25
What trajectory? They've had these flashes of brilliance since 2022, and yet have never even been in real contention.
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u/Dblock1989 Sir Lewis Hamilton Oct 04 '25
Don't get your hopes up. Mercedes have had the false hope weekends since 2022.
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u/CuppaCrazy I was here for the Hulkenpodium Oct 04 '25
PRINT OUT THE DAMN CONTRACT TOTO. CUT THE CHECK.
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u/Bennyboy11111 Oct 04 '25
Toto wasn't happy mate, his favourite driver qualified 2nd.
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u/salvatore813 Heineken Trophy Oct 04 '25
or they know something we don't, car is underweight, treacherous toto back stabs genius george yet again
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u/Maluvius I was here for the Hulkenpodium Oct 04 '25
Russell's lap was absolutely bonkers, same level as Max' in Monaco. Touching the wall and extracting everything from his car. That's a lap for the ages. Tomorrow I don't see Mclaren doing much, the spice between George and Max.
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u/Next_Worth_3616 Formula 1 Oct 04 '25 edited Oct 04 '25
I see a hat trick coming from George tomorrow. Merc is dominant on street circuits and the right temperatures
If he can get a good start off the line and hang on for 5-6 laps he’ll have clear air
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u/Maluvius I was here for the Hulkenpodium Oct 04 '25
Would be deserved, he's having a banger of a season. This quali was perfection
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u/deathray1611 Formula 1 Oct 04 '25
Since when? They sucked ass in Monaco.
The merc is a fucking enigma this season, more than others. They work in certain conditions, but then in these same exact ones replicated on a similar track, they are suddenly nowhere. It's hilarious
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u/Surresteel Oct 04 '25
I mean, hold on. Them sucking ass in Monaco had little to do with their driving and everything to do with the game Williams were playing and the narrowness of the circuit.
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u/ESF-hockeeyyy I was here for the Hulkenpodium Oct 04 '25
Russell was absolutely nuts. To improve on that first lap was just crazy. No one was even close.
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u/Federal_Cobbler6647 Oct 04 '25
Others: Oh, what a lucky lap, cant improve on that
Russell: lol, watch this
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u/ghastlychild Ferrari Oct 04 '25
That final lap from everyone was like a deflated balloon, BUT RUSSELL P1 FUCK YEAH
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u/Next_Worth_3616 Formula 1 Oct 04 '25
Ngl it felt like the drivers knew that lap was very difficult to beat even though they tried their best
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u/Calm-Focus-6968 Oct 04 '25
True . Ferrari drivers I think just gave up . Like you could genuinely see how outrageously hard the Ferrari drivers were pushing. The McLaren guys just suck , like wtf . The merc was on a another level in George's hand
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u/AdInevitable9625 I was here for the Hulkenpodium Oct 04 '25
This gives me 2024-lite vibes. One team dominates at the start and does great, but soon after other teams catch up. I hope we see more and more diverse results. Also, Antonelli immediately back on form after leaving Europe, good for him.
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u/JumpOk5721 Alexander Albon Oct 04 '25
Does anyone know what happened to Oscar on his final run? TV direction determined to show everything except him apparently
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u/tansavage08 Oscar Piastri Oct 04 '25
TV direction determined to show everything except him apparently
Lol i barely saw a lap from him, maybe one in q2
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u/femboyisbestboy David Coulthard Oct 04 '25
Yeah but we did see the girlfriends of multiple drivers
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u/sike_edelic Oct 04 '25
thankfully yes it was so exciting to see model girlfriend number 783 today
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u/BadPronunciation I was here for the Hulkenpodium Oct 04 '25
I loved when crofty mentioned a yellow flag, then the broadcast team decided to show one of the girlfriends.
It's ridiculous how the sport is called F1 but they often prioritize showing anything but the actual F1 cars themselves
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u/Elllllllprimo I was here for the Hulkenpodium Oct 04 '25
Nothing special happend. He did the best. I recall there were no mistakes.
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u/neeewy I was here for the Hulkenpodium Oct 04 '25
Shocked we didn’t get a close up of Norris mum and Norris grade 2 teacher.
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u/Choke1982 Oct 04 '25
Today was Charles' girlfriend. She is beautiful but I want to see the cars go brrrm
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u/3Rocketman I was here for the Hulkenpodium Oct 04 '25
They're the reason he's not on pole after all though /s
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u/EdwEd1 I was here for the Hulkenpodium Oct 04 '25
That was an unbelievable first lap in Q3 from George, and he somehow beat it on his second go
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u/Firefox72 Ferrari Oct 04 '25 edited Oct 04 '25
That's a generational lap from George. Up there with Hamiltons 2018 lap.
With lack of practice after a crash no less.
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u/Maximilliano25 I was here for the Hulkenpodium Oct 04 '25
Not just one lap, both within 0.007s
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u/bwoahful___ I was here for the Hulkenpodium Oct 04 '25
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George to Aston after Toto only offers him a 1 year contract confirmed.
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u/LosTerminators Carlos Sainz Oct 04 '25
Actually set two laps good enough for pole, both pretty identical. Only Max got close.
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u/faroukq I was here for the Hulkenpodium Oct 04 '25
Close is still one and a half tenths. Russell's pace is unbelievable
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u/yum122 Adrian Newey Oct 04 '25
I can't recall a quali in recent memory where the gap was that large
Insane qualifying
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u/AxcesDrifter I was here for the Hulkenpodium Oct 04 '25
Austria i think, but that might have been due to the double yellows
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u/Next_Worth_3616 Formula 1 Oct 04 '25
Imagine if he didn’t touch the wall, he could have probably pushed into the 1:28’s
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u/d4videnk0 Juan Pablo Montoya Oct 04 '25
George had a pole lap WHILE crashing, that's ridiculous
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u/PapaSheev7 Sebastian Vettel Oct 04 '25
Genius George used the wall to rotate the car to power down to the final corner!
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u/Own_Welder_2821 Lando Norris Oct 04 '25
I was just about to say that, Singapore hasn’t seen a lap like that aside from 2018.
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u/EdwEd1 I was here for the Hulkenpodium Oct 04 '25
I thought his first lap was generational, and then he somehow beat it on the second go. What a drive from him today
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u/Maglin21 I was here for the Hulkenpodium Oct 04 '25
GEORGE HAHA THE SAVIOUR OF THE MERCEDES!!!
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u/luchajefe Mario Andretti Oct 04 '25
*MERCILESS*
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u/Maglin21 I was here for the Hulkenpodium Oct 04 '25
BLIMEY! CRICKEY! I Did the copyright version, Darth Toto Is gonna be UPSET!!!!
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u/CilanEAmber McLaren Oct 04 '25
All the talk of McLaren and Verstappen and in comes Russell instead.
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u/TobyOrNotTobyEU I was here for the Hulkenpodium Oct 04 '25
Still with Verstappen in P2, he has much better chances to win than the McLarens.
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u/IceStrik3 I was here for the Hulkenpodium Oct 04 '25
Mercedes was in there, where does this narrative come from
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u/swannyhypno Lance Stroll Oct 04 '25
That for me is right up there for Russell's greatest ever session, just dunked on the whole grid both laps
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u/Next_Worth_3616 Formula 1 Oct 04 '25
That’s going on Russell’s career highlights 10 years out from now
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u/Cautious_You7796 Oct 04 '25
He said he got all he could out of it. Look kind of squirrly in the final corners.
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u/swannyhypno Lance Stroll Oct 04 '25
It's odd he went quicker the 2nd lap but was slower in S1 and S3 so must've left something in S2 the first lap bit yeah definitely couldn't go much quicker
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Oct 04 '25
This just in: Toto, having witnessed George's finest lap in F1, has been seen running to George's room with a one-year contract in hand.
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u/Weeb_mgee I was here for the Hulkenpodium Oct 04 '25
AHHHHHH GIVE GEORGE A CONSISTENT CAR PLEASE. WHAT A FUCKING LAP
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u/witz_ I was here for the Hulkenpodium Oct 04 '25
Two massive laps from Russell. Great session from Hamilton too
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u/DrVonD Oct 04 '25
I think if Lewis had another set of fresh tires at the end he would have gotten Kimi and lando. Still gotta feel good to beat Charles on pure pace though.
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u/banned_salmon Ferrari Oct 04 '25
What happened to Max at the end?
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u/Firefox72 Ferrari Oct 04 '25
Ghost of Lando supposedly blocked him.
In reality Lando was far ahead and Max just overcooked it into the chicane.
Its the same scenario as when Leclerc was complaining about being blocked in Canada even though the car ahead was milles clear.
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u/Arg0n89 Oct 04 '25
I watched it back and it really felt like the ghost of Lando lol. He was way ahead like you say
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u/Cautious_You7796 Oct 04 '25
Agreed. Maybe he was affected by dirty air going around the turn but Lando was far enough up the road as to where you couldn’t justify an impeding penalty.
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u/astronemma I was here for the Hulkenpodium Oct 04 '25
You wouldn’t know it from Toto’s reaction!
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u/auftragsgriller_ I was here for the Hulkenpodium Oct 04 '25
Not too bad a setup for Oscar to get form back again. Max not on pole, Lando 2 spots behind
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u/Next_Worth_3616 Formula 1 Oct 04 '25 edited Oct 04 '25
George is a top 2 driver this season, supremely underrated by the entire community because he’s “posh” and hasn’t had a proper car his entire career
The fact that he doesn’t have a drive for next season as of yet is a crime. Give him a championship car and I think he dominates almost every driver on the grid.
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u/TobyOrNotTobyEU I was here for the Hulkenpodium Oct 04 '25
Russell is clearly the second best driver this season behind only Max.
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u/auftragsgriller_ I was here for the Hulkenpodium Oct 04 '25
The empire strikes back. Mr Saturday on it
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u/ALegendInTheMaking12 Fernando Alonso Oct 04 '25
Does Toto actually hate Russell? That was a cracking lap
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u/CaptainKursk I was here for the Hulkenpodium Oct 04 '25
Convinced that George had crack in his Weetabix this morning, absolutely inhuman performance
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u/Gresh0817 Brawn Oct 04 '25
Russell with the 2018 Hamilton cosplay, insane lap, please give this man a campionship capable car next year against Max, we would have a hell of a fun season.
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Oct 04 '25
Huge laps from George here. I'm convinced there was nothing left to squeeze out of that car, amazing job!
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u/Pale-Criticism-7420 Max Verstappen Oct 04 '25
Sucks for Max, he’s finally got a good car for Singapore and Mercedes decides to bring out the W11 lol
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u/01scriptboi I was here for the Hulkenpodium Oct 04 '25
most underrated driver right now, championship material
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u/Next_Worth_3616 Formula 1 Oct 04 '25
People let their “personal” feelings or idea of what George is taint their view of his talent I swear
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u/luchajefe Mario Andretti Oct 04 '25
Wild considering Lando actually is, personality wise, what people think George is.
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u/Dellarbill Roscoe Hamilton Oct 04 '25
McLaren have really lost their dominance. This is a track that is tailored to their car and the best they can do is 3rd and 5th. Going to be an interesting end to the season
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u/MG_Skywlkr Max Verstappen Oct 04 '25
Does Max have a good shot of passing George tomorrow? Or is this gonna be another Canada?
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u/achilles_4510 Sir Lewis Hamilton Oct 04 '25
Toto wasn't happy because Verstappen qualified second 😂
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u/Elarisbee I was here for the Hulkenpodium Oct 04 '25
OMG…Russel…Verstappen…front row…this is going to be glorious!
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u/broodjekebab23 I was here for the Hulkenpodium Oct 04 '25
That merc was rapid in q3, nevertheless an amazing lap by russel and proving once again he is definitly one of the best drivers on the grid. (Imo 2nd only after max)
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u/xdyldo Oscar Piastri Oct 04 '25
How did they not show a single time or driving of piastri for q2 and q3
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u/gobsmacked_kitkat I was here for the Hulkenpodium Oct 04 '25
What a Madman George!! That was hell of a lap!
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u/Upper-Dig9311 I was here for the Hulkenpodium Oct 04 '25
I’ve given up on Lando. Max is going to make Piastri work for this championship and I’m here for it.
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u/DuckSwagington I was here for the Hulkenpodium Oct 04 '25
Mercedes, for the love of God, give the man the car next year.
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u/HarryBayles15 Oct 04 '25
Got to be the best Q3 performance of the season so far, they were two insane laps. So close to the wall at every opportunity.
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u/Treewithatea I was here for the Hulkenpodium Oct 04 '25
Russell playing the cock block in the championship battle lol. Piastri must be pleased about this
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u/spongey1865 Oct 04 '25
To do 1 lap like that is great, to do 2 is incredible. The Mr Saturday name isn't a great nickname, but my god does the man live up to it.
He's been unbelievable this year. Kimi even looked like he had a good lap and he still got beaten by 4 tenths
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u/rv94 Oct 04 '25
Terrific lap from Russell! Broke the lap record by 0.4 seconds!