Just one of the first 16 races on the 2026 Formula 1 schedule was won by a driver who did not start from the front row, and given the history of the Singapore Grand Prix at Marina Bay Street Circuit, qualifying could prove just as crucial this weekend.
Of the 16 races contested at the 19-turn, 3.07-mile (4.941-kilometer) temporary street circuit in Marina Bay, Singapore from 2008 to 2025, just one was won by a driver who started lower than fifth, and that happened in the infamous 2008 Crashgate race, when Fernando Alonso won from 15th.
Since then, 11 of the 15 Singapore Grands Prix have been won from pole, with the only exceptions being Sebastian Vettel's win from third in 2012, Lewis Hamilton's win from fifth in 2017 (after inheriting the lead on lap one due to the leaders crashing before turn one), Vettel's final F1 victory from third in 2019, and Sergio Perez's win from second in 2022.
Red Bull's Max Verstappen won today's sprint race, the first ever in Marina Bay, from pole position as well, meaning that all six sprint races on the 2026 schedule were won by a driver who started on the front row.
How much will qualifying matter this weekend as Formula 1 prepares to wrap up the first of three consecutive tripleheaders on the schedule to conclude the 2026 season?
Follow along with our qualifying updates from Marina Bay Street Circuit.
Singapore Grand Prix F1 qualifying: Eliminated in Q1
17 - Fernando Alonso, Aston Martin
18 - Alex Albon, Williams
19 - Lance Stroll, Aston Martin
20 - Sergio Perez, Cadillac
21 - Valtteri Bottas, Cadillac
22 - Isack Hadjar, Red Bull
Singapore Grand Prix F1 qualifying: Eliminated in Q2
Singapore Grand Prix F1 qualifying: Q3 results
Full Singapore Grand Prix starting lineup
The Singapore Grand Prix is set to be shown live on Apple TV from Marina Bay Street Circuit beginning at 7:55 a.m. ET on Sunday, October 11.
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