Verstappen wins Singapore Grand Prix, beats Leclerc and Antonelli

Max Verstappen claimed victory at the Singapore Grand Prix, his first win at the Marina Bay circuit and the 73rd of his career. Starting from pole, he maintained the lead throughout the race and finished ahead of Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc, who took second place, and championship leader Kimi Antonelli, who completed the podium in third.

Defending world champion Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri finished fourth and fifth for McLaren, while Lewis Hamilton ended the race in sixth for Ferrari. Antonelli’s Mercedes teammate George Russell, who started 19th on the grid, finished ninth.

Antonelli now leads Russell by 102 points, a margin that would allow him to clinch the title at the next round in Austin if he wins and Russell finishes outside the top eight.

"Our strategy calls were crucial in the outcome," Hamilton said, acknowledging the impact of tyre choices on his result.

Red Bull’s recent upgrades were highlighted as a factor in Verstappen’s performance, marking the team’s first Singapore win since 2022. The Dutch driver also won the sprint race earlier in the weekend.

During the race, Verstappen built a three-second lead by lap 17. Various pit strategies unfolded, with Hamilton switching to soft tyres on lap 18 and later pitting for mediums, while Leclerc and Antonelli also made stops. A virtual safety car on lap 39 prompted Ferrari to pit Leclerc, but Hamilton stayed out, a decision that did not improve his position.

In the closing stages, Norris and Antonelli passed Hamilton as his tyre performance declined, resulting in Hamilton finishing sixth. The race concluded with Verstappen crossing the finish line comfortably ahead of the rest of the field.