F1: Sainz claims thrilling Singapore GP pole as Verstappen crashes
Ferrari driver edges out Sergio Perez by just 0.054 seconds with Charles Leclerc third
Max Verstappen's hopes of a record-extending sixth successive victory were ended by a spin into the barriers at Turn 5 during the closing moments of qualifying
Carlos Sainz claimed a thrilling pole position for the Singapore Grand Prix after a dramatic qualifying session saw Max Verstappen crash out late on.
The Ferrari driver edged out Sergio Perez by just 0.054 seconds, with Charles Leclerc completing an all-Ferrari front row.
Verstappen's hopes of a record-extending sixth successive victory were ended by a spin into the barriers at Turn 5 during the closing moments of qualifying.
The Dutchman was on a flying lap and looked set to challenge for pole, but he lost control of his Red Bull and slid backwards into the wall.
The impact was heavy enough to damage Verstappen's car, and he was forced to retire from qualifying.
Verstappen's crash brought out the red flags and ended the session with just over two minutes remaining.
It meant that Sainz's time of 1:49.461 would stand as pole, with Perez unable to improve on his time of 1:49.515.
Leclerc was third fastest with a time of 1:49.515, ahead of Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton in fourth.
Fernando Alonso was fifth for Alpine, followed by McLaren's Lando Norris and Alfa Romeo's Valtteri Bottas.
Pierre Gasly was ninth for AlphaTauri, with Aston Martin's Sebastian Vettel rounding out the top 10.
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