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

Lando Norris can make up even more ground on Max Verstappen in the world championship race with a win today and from pole position he has a strong chance of doing so.

The McLaren ace has just spoken out in the middle of a packed grid and vowed to make a strong run into the first corner ahead of Verstappen, but warned that Red Bull should not be taken lightly.

“I got off the line well. I’ve had confidence all weekend for a long time, we’ve been outperforming all the other teams on the grid and that’s been amazing,” he told Sky Sports.

“I have to do my job, but I’m confident. I consider every race as an opportunity, trying to win every race, get every pole position.

‘I’m racing against some great guys, people forget that Red Bull is still Red Bull and Max is a multi-time world champion. I’m enjoying it, but it’s difficult.’

Max Verstappen was quite rebellious in yesterday’s post-qualifying press conference.

His previous lecture had led to him receiving the Formula One equivalent of a “community service” order.

This is clearly what he had in mind when journalists asked him questions after placing his Red Bull in second place in today’s race.

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There are many reports ahead of this weekend’s race that Daniel Ricciardo will be replaced at RB after this race weekend by Liam Lawson.

It has not yet been confirmed, but it was a topic that was discussed with several drivers during Thursday’s press conference.

Ricciardo will start today in 16th place, eight places behind his teammate Yuki Tsunoda.

Thus, it will be Lando Norris, with his sixth career pole, who will start in the lead today ahead of Max Verstappen, who seemed to be improving with his Red Bull after his recent problems.

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

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

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

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

Lando Norris will start from pole ahead of title rival Max Verstappen, with the McLaren driver looking to close the 59-point gap to the championship leader.

But can Verstappen or anyone else stop Norris from taking his third win of the season?

We’ll be with you throughout the build-up and live updates from lights out at 1:00 p.m.