Max Verstappen claims first Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix win

Max Verstappen claimed his first Singapore Grand Prix victory on Sunday, converting pole position into a controlled win at Marina Bay as Ferrari’s strategy gamble failed to threaten the Red Bull driver.

The Dutchman took victory in his 250th Formula 1 Grand Prix start, finishing 7.335 seconds ahead of Charles Leclerc. Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli completed the podium, while Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri finished fourth and fifth for McLaren.

Verstappen had already won Saturday’s Sprint from pole and completed a near-perfect weekend with another victory under the floodlights.

Leclerc challenged immediately at the start, launching well from second and forcing Verstappen to defend aggressively into Turn 1. The Red Bull held the lead, however, and gradually began to build a gap as tyre degradation proved lower than teams had expected.

Verstappen 🆚 Leclerc WATCH THE RACE START 🎥 #F1 #SingaporeGP https://t.co/I9ce7zBGsD

— Formula 1 (@F1) October 11, 2026

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Ferrari splits strategy

Ferrari started its two cars on different compounds, with Leclerc on soft tyres and Lewis Hamilton on mediums.

Hamilton struggled for pace during his opening stint and stopped on Lap 19 for soft tyres. Ferrari initially appeared to have gained an advantage when the undercut allowed him to emerge ahead of Antonelli after the Mercedes driver made his first stop.

Leclerc stopped six laps later for mediums, while Verstappen extended his opening stint until Lap 33. The Red Bull driver switched to mediums and retained the effective race lead without coming under serious pressure.

A Virtual Safety Car on Lap 39, caused when Lance Stroll stopped at Turn 15, created another strategic opportunity. Leclerc and Antonelli stopped, while Hamilton stayed out.

A clutch issue has ended Stroll’s race ❌ VIRTUAL SAFETY CAR #F1 #SingaporeGP | LAP 39/62 https://t.co/eXQcCGYcPw

— Formula 1 (@F1) October 11, 2026

The decision briefly promoted Hamilton to second, but his ageing soft tyres left him increasingly vulnerable during the closing stages. Leclerc eventually passed his team-mate without resistance to reclaim second.

Antonelli recovers to take podium

Antonelli endured problems before the race had even begun, with Mercedes working on a suspected brake sensor issue on the grid.

He remained in contention throughout the race despite repeated concerns over track limits and later reported unusual brake behaviour.

His second stop under the Virtual Safety Car put him on fresh soft tyres, allowing him to attack during the closing stages.

Hamilton’s tyres faded sharply and Norris caught the Ferrari driver on Lap 54. Norris attempted a move into Turn 1 but lost momentum after Hamilton ran wide and rejoined, allowing Antonelli to pass the McLaren.

Lando opens his visor and wipes away the sweat! The heat and humidity is punishing in Singapore 🥵 #F1 #SingaporeGP https://t.co/srLCyKZl3q

— Formula 1 (@F1) October 11, 2026

One lap later, Antonelli overtook Hamilton at Turn 16 to take third place. Norris soon followed him through, dropping Hamilton to fifth.

Antonelli finished more than nine seconds ahead of Norris and strengthened his lead in the Drivers’ Championship. Between Antonelli and Russel there are 102 points after this race.

Piastri passes Hamilton on final lap

McLaren’s race was complicated by strategy and a slow puncture for Piastri.

Norris and Piastri had started alongside each other after colliding during Saturday’s Sprint, but avoided further contact during the Grand Prix.

Piastri’s first pit stop took 4.2 seconds and he later required another stop after reporting a front-right puncture. That left him sixth and well behind his team-mate.

Hamilton’s deteriorating tyres gave Piastri another opportunity late in the race. By Lap 61, the Australian had closed onto the Ferrari despite running tyres that were themselves more than 20 laps old.

Piastri completed the pass at Turn 16 on the final lap to take fifth, leaving Hamilton sixth.

Norris finished fourth after being unable to stay close enough to Antonelli to benefit from any possible track-limits penalty, which ultimately did not materialise.

Antonelli’s exceeded tracks twice already This is the third time… #F1 #SingaporeGP | LAP 36/62 https://t.co/H9rWGnyvuG

— Formula 1 (@F1) October 11, 2026

Russell and Hadjar recover from the back

George Russell recovered to ninth after starting near the rear of the field following a power unit change.

The Mercedes driver made several overtakes through the midfield but spent the closing stages stuck behind Nico Hulkenberg, who held eighth for Audi.

Liam Lawson produced a strong drive to finish seventh for Racing Bulls.

Isack Hadjar also recovered from a pit-lane start after power unit and gearbox problems disrupted his weekend. He passed Pierre Gasly late in the race to claim 10th and the final point.

Bortoleto has parked up by the pit lane exit 📻 "Gearbox has gone" VIRTUAL SAFETY CAR #F1 #SingaporeGP | LAP 8/62 https://t.co/FEUeVbRHFa

— Formula 1 (@F1) October 11, 2026

Gabriel Bortoleto became the first retirement when his Audi suffered a suspected gearbox problem, triggering an early Virtual Safety Car. Franco Colapinto later retired with a suspected driveline issue, while Stroll’s stoppage caused the second Virtual Safety Car.

Colapinto gets going again but only to drive off and park up safely behind the barriers Franco’s race is run ❌ #F1 #SingaporeGP https://t.co/8BL8GPWosn

— Formula 1 (@F1) October 11, 2026

Verstappen crossed the line 7.335 seconds ahead of Leclerc, with Antonelli 24.573 seconds behind the winner and 17s ahead of Norris. Even if Antonelli receives a late penalty for track limits, it will not be enough for Norris to take the third place.

Haas ⚔️ Haas An incredible battle between Ollie and Esteban 💪 #F1 #SingaporeGP https://t.co/HxIdoKXpsO

— Formula 1 (@F1) October 11, 2026

Singapore Grand Prix top 10