Max Verstappen secured his first-ever win at the Singapore Grand Prix, marking a dominant return to form for Red Bull. This victory follows his win in Malaysia last weekend and a strong performance in the Saturday sprint race, underscoring the team’s resurgence as a competitive force. Verstappen maintained control from the start, successfully fending off a challenge from Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc on the opening lap. Verstappen’s dominance reviving memories of his pomp during his title-winning era. Given the difficulty of overtaking in Singapore, and he fought tooth and nail to make sure he did, verstappen knew he needed to get into the first corner first to try to win the race. According to i think the last few races have been really positive for us and it is just great to see and we have a lot of motivation in the team to try and deliver even more results,”, Verstappen. It is a really good group of people – I really enjoy working with them and hopefully we can have a bit more fun until the end of the year.
The race start proved critical, as Leclerc attempted a move down the inside at Turn One. Verstappen defended his position by forcing Leclerc toward the pit wall, effectively securing the lead while the Ferrari driver was forced to back off. The two were joined by Lewis Hamilton for the initial laps, though the seven-time champion fell back after roughly five laps. Leclerc stayed within a second of the leader for several more laps before Verstappen began to pull away, ultimately finishing comfortably ahead of the field. From then on, Verstappen continued to build his lead and never looked like being beaten as he motored away into the distance.
Race Strategy and Pit Stop Drama
Ferrari faced a complex day regarding strategy, particularly with Lewis Hamilton. While Verstappen and Leclerc utilized soft tyres, Hamilton opted for mediums initially. Despite the durability of the medium compound, Hamilton pitted on lap 18. Later, a virtual safety car on lap 39 allowed Leclerc and Mercedes’ Kimi Antonelli to execute cheaper pit stops. Hamilton, however, chose to remain on track, a decision that eventually compromised his late-race pace.
As his tyres degraded, Hamilton struggled to defend his position. On lap 46, Leclerc successfully overtook him. By lap 54, a challenge from Lando Norris forced Hamilton wide at Turn One, allowing Antonelli to bypass both the McLaren driver and Hamilton. Oscar Piastri also managed to overtake the struggling Briton on the final lap. Hamilton later apologized for his strategic choice to stay out on aging tyres. Hamilton, trying to last out on a set of soft tyres for a mammoth 44 laps, lost out in the closing laps to Mercedes’ Kimi Antonelli and the McLarens of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri.
Championship Implications
Kimi Antonelli’s third-place finish, coupled with a ninth-place result for team-mate George Russell, has extended the Italian’s lead in the drivers’ championship to 102 points. With only six races remaining in the season, Antonelli now has a genuine opportunity to secure the world title at the upcoming United States Grand Prix in Austin, scheduled for 23-25 October. Kimi Antonelli leads the drivers’ championship by 102 points with a maximum of 150 available from the six races remaining in the season.
To clinch the championship in Texas, Antonelli must win the race while ensuring Russell finishes ninth or lower and Hamilton fifth or lower. Reflecting on his position, the 20-year-old noted he remains focused on delivering the best possible performance at the next event rather than dwelling on the title implications.
Singapore Grand Prix Finishing Order
- Max Verstappen (Red Bull)
- Charles Leclerc (Ferrari)
- Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes)
- Lando Norris (McLaren)
- Oscar Piastri (McLaren)
- Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari)
- Liam Lawson (Racing Bulls)
- Nico Hulkenberg (Audi)
- George Russell (Mercedes)
- Isack Hadjar (Red Bull)
