Russell: I'd like to think I can hold on to the lead.

      In previous years George Russell didn’t even make the podium in Singapore, but it seems he is determined to change that now: today the British Mercedes driver took pole on the challenging Marina Bay street circuit.

      George Russell (1st): “I’m on pole — that’s fantastic! Although yesterday was very difficult for a number of different reasons. But it’s good that today we were able to fight back and deliver an excellent result.

      Of course, tomorrow we face a long race and we’ll have to work hard, but I know our car has the potential. Kimi Antonelli is also doing a great job this weekend, and actually I learned a lot from him watching how he worked on track yesterday. Overall, I’m very happy with the result.

      I want to say that in previous years Singapore was not the most favourable track for me, and for the most part that was my own fault. So, of course, even after taking pole I’m not going to get carried away. But it’s the best position to start from, which gives an advantage, so I’d like to think I can hold the lead and be first into Turn 1.

      However, of course Max Verstappen is very good at starts, so I’ll be watching his actions closely.”

      Kimi Antonelli (4th): “I’m a bit disappointed to finish the day in 4th. I had a good Saturday practice and in the first two parts of qualifying I was lapping confidently, but unfortunately in the final I couldn’t do it because I pushed a bit too hard.

      I’m worried, because I think we had a real chance to fight for pole or at least the front row. Still, I’m glad that although I’ve never raced on this circuit, I was able to quickly get up to the required pace. That said, our potential is definitely higher than this result.

      During the race we’ll have to deal with several unknowns. In practice few managed to complete a long run, and we understand how important it is on Sunday to show good pace and find the right approach to the tyres.

      Starting from 4th gives us a chance to fight for a podium if the pace allows, and I hope we can achieve a good result.”

      Toto Wolff, team principal: “After yesterday we managed to make a number of setup improvements, and that certainly helped both drivers. George and Kimi were already more comfortable in the car during Saturday’s practice, both showed a confident pace and were in the top five.

      They then managed to confirm that speed in qualifying and secure good starting positions ahead of Sunday’s race.

      After yesterday’s crash George, during the third practice and the first qualifying session, tried to regain the necessary confidence at the wheel, and in the final, when it really mattered, he put in two great laps. He’s been incredibly strong this year and once again delivered an excellent result today.

      Kimi has not been trailing George this weekend, and it’s very pleasing to see him continuing to perform at a high level after a strong showing in Baku. Although he couldn’t piece together a perfect lap in the final session, starting from 4th he will also have a chance to fight for a podium.”