The Singapore circuit continued to be a challenge for the normally dominant Mercedes crew, with defending champion Lewis Hamilton having to settle for fifth on the grid, with teammate Nico Rosberg just behind him. At the top of the times, Ferrari driver Sebastian Vettel posted the fastest lap, with Daniel Ricciardo securing a spot on the front row of the grid.

Carlos Sainz Jr crashed in second qualifying, bringing out the yellow flags as the Toro Rosso impacted with the wall. Further back Pastor Maldonado failed to get out of the first session, struggling for pace in his Lotus, despite Romain Grosjean securing tenth.