Verstappen claims maiden Singapore Grand Prix victory

Red Bull driver Max Verstappen won the Singapore Grand Prix, claiming his second consecutive victory and the 73rd of his Formula 1 career. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) finished second, with championship leader Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes) taking third.

The Singapore Grand Prix weekend featured the Sprint format for the first time. Verstappen won the rain-affected Sprint before securing pole position for the main race. Leclerc lined up alongside him on the front row, with Lewis Hamilton and Antonelli starting from the second row. George Russell was forced to start from the back of the grid following a power unit change.

Verstappen retained the lead at the start and gradually began to pull away from his rivals. Leclerc held on to second place, while Hamilton kept Antonelli behind him. A Virtual Safety Car was deployed on lap eight after Gabriel Bortoleto (Audi) stopped on track, but the order at the front remained unchanged.

Verstappen maintained his advantage over Leclerc after the first round of pit stops. On lap 39, another Virtual Safety Car was deployed when Lance Stroll (Aston Martin) stopped on track. Several drivers, including Leclerc and Antonelli, took the opportunity to change tyres.

The main battle unfolded over third place. In the closing stages, Antonelli closed in on Hamilton and Lando Norris before passing both drivers on lap 51 to move into third. Meanwhile, Russell recovered from the back of the grid to break into the top ten.

Verstappen remained in control until the chequered flag, securing his first victory at the Marina Bay Street Circuit. Leclerc finished second, with Antonelli completing the podium. Norris took fourth place, while Oscar Piastri finished fifth.

Antonelli extended his championship lead over Russell to 102 points. The Formula 1 season continues in two weeks with the United States Grand Prix in Austin.