FORMULA 1

LECLERC GRABS POLE IN SINGAPORE!!

Leclerc secured a hat-trick of pole positions to put his Ferrari at the front of grid for tomorrow’s Singapore Grand Prix.

Formula One’s man of the moment continued his dazzling form under the thousands of bulbs that light up the Marina Bay Street Circuit to see off Lewis Hamilton’s late salvo by just 0.191 seconds.

Sebastian Vettel had been on provisional pole, but he was forced to abort his final run and will start from a disappointing third, with Hamilton splitting the Ferraris.

Leclerc will now be the favourite to secure his third consecutive victory with every pole-sitter, bar Vettel two years’ ago, going on to take the chequered flag here. Red Bull driver Max Verstappen lines up from fourth with Valtteri Bottas fifth for Mercedes.

Ferrari’s machinery was not expected to suit this slow-speed venue, but Leclerc’s fine performance provides them with every chance of securing their third win since the summer break.