News

Max Verstappen wins Singapore Grand Prix sprint as Russell crashes out

Published
Oleg Son
Oleg Son
Managing Editor, English editorial team
F1
The Singapore Grand Prix took place at the Marina Bay. Photo: F1/X

Max Verstappen held off Lewis Hamilton to win a rain-delayed Singapore Grand Prix sprint after George Russell crashed out of the lead. Charles Leclerc finished third as the McLaren drivers fought behind him.

Hamilton crossed the line 2.591 seconds behind the Red Bull, having closed the gap late in Saturday’s race. The Ferrari driver set the fastest lap up to that point on lap 18 but could not catch Verstappen.

Leclerc faced pressure from Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris in the closing stages.

Their battle with each other helped the Ferrari driver retain third, while championship leader Kimi Antonelli also closed in, crossing the line 0.367s behind Leclerc.

At one stage, just two seconds separated third through sixth.

Read more: Max Verstappen storms to sprint pole in Singapore qualifying

Wet kerb ends Russell’s challenge

Standing water around Turns 2 and 3 delayed the start, and conditions varied sharply across the circuit. Some sections were soaked while others remained dry.

Russell’s race ended when his Mercedes lost grip with its right-rear wheel on a wet kerb. He spun into the barrier, leaving Verstappen in front and his damaged car stranded on the main straight.

Polymarket guessed it: Can Max Verstappen finally win Singapore Grand Prix? Polymarket has a guess

As the track dried, Verstappen built his advantage over Hamilton before the Ferrari driver began reducing it late on. The opening corners remained particularly slippery even as conditions improved elsewhere.

More fun: Bottas cycled 420km to reach the Singapore race weekend

The F1 sprint’s result only decides Saturday’s sprint. Qualifying for Sunday’s Grand Prix follows at 9pm Singapore time. The main race starts on October 11 at 8pm Singapore time, according to the official schedule.

Related Materials
Singapore Grand Prix: Thundery rains threaten Formula 1 sprint
Max Verstappen storms to sprint pole in Singapore qualifying
Read also