F1 – Singapore Grand Prix LIVE: Lap-by-lap updates as Lando Norris starts on pole ahead of Max Verstappen as he looks to close the gap to his title rival

JONATHAN MCEVOY IN SINGAPORE: If you think Max Verstappen’s language in the cockpit is ripe, you should hear some of the things said in my rough trade as deadline approaches, or the signal back to London has gone down as you are about to press send on 1,200 words required pronto.

OK, those expletives reach a smaller audience. But it would still be inexcusable hypocrisy of a journalist to condemn Verstappen too harshly for his blaspheming under engine-roasted pressure at 210mph.

Verstappen finished in a surprise fifth-place at this testing Marina Bay street circuit last year on his way to a third world title, but has put himself in with a realistic chance of securing a first GP victory since Spain in June.

The Red Bull star pulled off a stunning final qualifying lap to put himself next to Norris on the front row and the start will be crucial to Verstappen’s attempt to get past the McLaren.

Expect a challenge heading into the first corner between the pair and possibly even some contact because Verstappen knows that if Norris gets an early lead then his Red Bull will struggle to match the McLaren’s pace.

Making a move early is the mission for Verstappen.

Lando Norris can claw back further ground on Max Verstappen in the world championship race with a win today and from pole position has a great chance of doing so.

The McLaren ace has just been speaking amidst a crowded grid and backed himself to make a strong dash to the first corner ahead of Verstappen, but warned that Red Bull shouldn’t be taken lightly.

‘Get off the line well. All weekend I have had confidence for a long time now, we have outperformed every other team on the grid and that has been incredible,’ he told Sky Sports.

‘I have to do my job but I am confident. I look at every race at the monute as an opportunity, trying to win every race, win every pole.

‘I am completing against great guys, poeple forget Red Bull are still Red Bull and Max is a multi world champion, I am enjoying it but it’s tough.’

Max Verstappen was in a rather rebellious mood in the post-qualifying press conference yesterday.

His previous conference had led to him being handed the Formula One equialent of a ‘community service’ order.

He clearly had this in mind when journalists asked him questions after he put his Red Bull on the second spot for today’s race.

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Lot of reports going into this weekend’s race that Daniel Ricciardo is set to be replaced at RB after this race weekend by Liam Lawson.

It has yet to be confirmed but it was a topic brought up to a number of drivers during Thursday’s press conference.

Ricciardo starts today in 16th, eight places behind team-mate Yuki Tsunoda.

So it was Lando Norris with his sixth career pole who will start at the front today ahead of Max Verstappen who looked improved in his Red Bull after his recent struggles.

The two Mercedes drivers of Lewis Hamilton and George Russell start ahead of the race winner last time out in Baku, Oscar Piastri.

Disappointing session for Ferrari yesterday as Charles Leclerc had his lap time deleted and is ninth, just ahead of Carlos Sainz who crashed out.

And welcome to Mail Sport’s live blog for the Singapore Grand Prix.

This race has a huge amount at stake in terms of this year’s drivers’ championship.

Lando Norris starts on pole ahead of his title rival Max Verstappen, and the McLaren driver will be looking to close the 59-point gap he has to the championship leader.

But can Verstappen or anyone else prevent Norris from picking up his third win of the season.

We will be with you for all the build-up and live updates from lights out at 1pm.