Cars

George Russell Wins Singapore Grand Prix as McLaren Clinch Constructors’ Title

Published October 5, 2025 19:19

Nigora Umarova

Nigora Umarova

International Department Journalist n.umarova@kursiv.media
Cars
Formula 1
Sport
Photo: F1

George Russell delivered a commanding drive under the floodlights of Marina Bay on Sunday, taking victory at the Singapore Grand Prix and securing his second win of the 2025 season. The Mercedes driver, who has yet to confirm a contract for 2026, reminded his team principal Toto Wolff of his worth with a flawless performance on one of Formula One’s most demanding circuits.

Verstappen battles car issues

Russell controlled the 62-lap contest from the start, capitalising on his medium tyre strategy and stretching an early lead before making a decisive pit stop on lap 26. Though Max Verstappen briefly closed the gap after an early stop onto hard tyres, the Dutchman’s race unravelled with shifting issues, braking instability and a series of lock-ups that saw him brand the car «undriveable.» Despite this, Verstappen clung on to second place after a defensive masterclass against Lando Norris.

McLaren’s intra-team tensions

The opening laps were chaotic, with Norris and team mate Oscar Piastri almost colliding at Turn 1. Norris forced his way past, damaging his front wing endplate in the process. Piastri was left disgruntled, asking over the radio if the team was «okay» with his colleague’s manoeuvre, only to be told no action would be taken. «That’s not fair, that’s not fair,» he replied. The stewards later agreed it was a racing incident.

McLaren’s intra-team rivalry simmered all evening. Norris, after losing time in Verstappen’s turbulent air, pressed relentlessly in the final stint but failed to find a way past the Red Bull. «Well done everyone,» he said afterwards, his third place enough to help McLaren clinch a second successive Constructors’ Championship with six rounds still to go. Piastri’s fourth place consolidated the result, though the Australian’s radio messages betrayed his irritation at both his slow pit stop and his team mate’s aggressive opening-lap tactics.

Mercedes youth shines, Ferrari stumble

Behind the leading trio, Mercedes rookie Andrea Kimi Antonelli impressed with a battling drive to fifth, overtaking Charles Leclerc late on before Ferrari opted to swap positions back. Lewis Hamilton had looked set to challenge Antonelli until brake problems curtailed his pace, leaving him seventh at the flag.

Alonso frustrated after slow stop

Further down the order, Fernando Alonso endured a bruising evening. After a slow stop dropped him out of the points, he grew increasingly exasperated with radio traffic.

«If you speak to me every lap, I will disconnect the radio,» he snapped, later adding with irony after an overtake, «Trophy for the hero of the race.»

The «rookie» eventually finished 8th.

McLaren seal title, Russell strengthens case

Russell’s victory was his fifth career win, making him the sixth different winner in Singapore across the last six runnings of the event. More importantly, McLaren’s points haul ensured back-to-back Constructors’ titles for the papaya outfit, confirming their supremacy despite lingering tensions between their drivers.

For Russell, it was a timely reminder of his potential. For Verstappen, another difficult night that yielded damage limitation. And for McLaren, a dominant season capped by early silverware, even if the celebrations may be slightly muted in a camp where unity appears increasingly fragile.

Kursiv also reports that Max Verstappen delivered a masterclass at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. Behind him, George Russell executed a long first stint to climb into second for Mercedes, while Carlos Sainz held his nerve to secure a landmark podium for Williams.

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