Not everyone had such confidence. Ocon went into the wall as soon as the first Qualifying session started. Hadjar's awful weekend continued with more problems on his car. He kept resetting, trying again but could not set a time. There were no such issues for the other Red Bull and perhaps he is beginning to see what Webber, Sainz, Ricciardo, Gasly, Albon et al were dealing with. Hamilton set the fastest time and at last there seemed to be a real challenge for Verstappen. The Audis are beginning to get stronger and are now looking officially "midfield". Out went Alonso, Albon, Stroll, Perez, Bottas and Hadjar.
In the second session it was Colapinto's turn to hit the wall straight away. Predictably Hulkenberg, Bearman (who had an outstanding Sprint with a great battle with Gasly), Ocon, Sainz, Bortoleto and Colapinto were dismissed from Qualifying.
The third and final session passed without any incidents, no one even kissed the wall. The Ferraris tried to challenge and Norris hoped for "a miracle lap" but Verstappen took pole. Leclerc beat his team mate Hamilton to second, which had not looked certain at all. I don't know why Leclerc is wearing a black costume this weekend and Hamilton red? A mystery. Behind them were Antonelli, Norris, Russell (who will start from the back of the grid after a power unit change), Piastri, Gasly, Lawson and Linblad. The Red Bulls and Racing Bulls are showing their strength.
Predictions are difficult at Singapore; it is all down to driver error and whether there are Safety Cars and Red Flags. It seems likely that Verstappen's experience and talent will win out though.
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