Join the Miguel Delaney: Inside Football newsletter and get behind-the-scenes access and unrivalled insight Join the Miguel Delaney: Inside Football newsletter Join the Miguel Delaney: Inside Football newsletter Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy noticeMax Verstappen raised hope of securing pole position for the Singapore Grand Prix and keeping his championship hopes alive by finishing fastest in final practice. Verstappen, who trails Oscar Piastri by 69 points in the standings, saw off the Australian by just 0.017 seconds at the Marina Bay Street Circuit. George Russell took third place for Mercedes, only half-a-tenth back and one place ahead of team-mate Kimi Antonelli. Lando Norris, 25 points behind Piastri in the title race with seven rounds remaining, finished fifth, 0.089 sec off the pace.