Charles Leclerc puts Ferrari on top after dramatic qualifying in Singapore

Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc took pole position for the Singapore Grand Prix following an exciting qualifying battle at the Marina Bay Street Circuit.

In drying conditions, Max Verstappen, who has his first shot of securing back-to-back titles, appeared to be on course to take pole with his final throw of the dice.

But the Red Bull driver was instructed by his team to abort his final lap, and he will start Sunday's race way down the order.

Sergio Perez took second in the other Red Bull, with Lewis Hamilton third.

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Just 0.054s between these three. ??#SingaporeGP #F1 pic.twitter.com/IiNVysSweX

Chance at the gold

Verstappen will be crowned champion if he wins and sets the fastest lap, and teammate Perez and Ferrari's Leclerc finish lower than fourth and eighth, respectively.

But the Dutch driver, who holds a 116-point lead, faces an improbable task of taking the championship under the lights in Singapore, given his lowly grid slot.

Hamilton missed out on pole by just 0.054 seconds, but the seven-time world champion is set to face further action from the stewards for taking part in qualifying with his nose stud in.

Hamilton wore the offending jewellery item during practice and was summoned to see the stewards before qualifying.

READ: WRAP | Leclerc takes pole for 2022 Singapore GP as Red Bull fumbles

But the 37-year-old could be seen wearing the piercing as he conducted his post-qualifying interview moments after stepping out of his Mercedes.

Ferrari's Carlos Sainz qualified fourth for Ferrari, one place ahead of Fernando Alonso. Lando Norris was sixth for McLaren.

It was a Saturday to forget for George Russell after he was eliminated