Max Verstappen claimed his maiden Singapore Grand Prix victory on Sunday after a commanding drive from pole position, while Mercedes’ Kimi Antonelli strengthened his grip on the championship with a third-place finish at Marina Bay.
The Red Bull driver secured his second consecutive victory of the season after also winning Saturday’s sprint race, completing a perfect weekend at the Singapore street circuit.
Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc finished second after challenging Verstappen at the start, while Antonelli completed the podium to extend his championship lead over teammate George Russell to 102 points. The Italian could mathematically clinch the title at the next round in Austin.
Verstappen had never won in Singapore before arriving at the race with what he described as “unfinished business”.
“It’s taken a while, but I think this race was very good. We had pace when we needed to have it on the soft tyre, even though I think the medium tyre for everyone was more of a struggle,” he said.
“But it worked out, so of course very happy to win here… The last two races have been really positive for us, and it’s just great to see.”
Antonelli, who recorded his 14th podium of the season, appeared surprised when told he could secure the championship in Austin.
“Can I? Really?” he said.
“Well, let’s not worry about that. Let’s try to do the best weekend as possible and finish the job.”
Verstappen holds off Ferrari challenge
Leclerc reacted quicker than Verstappen at the start and nearly drew alongside the polesitter approaching the first corner. However, the Dutchman moved left to block the Ferrari driver and retain the lead.
Verstappen gradually built his advantage on soft tyres as Red Bull managed tyre wear and monitored Ferrari’s pit-stop strategy.
Hamilton, who started third, struggled for pace on medium tyres. Ferrari brought him in for soft tyres before Leclerc stopped on lap 25, with the latter emerging ahead of his teammate.
Hamilton expressed his frustration over team radio, saying: “I need to use this speed, mate,” as he sought permission to pass Leclerc.
Verstappen pitted on lap 33 but retained the lead, while a virtual safety car triggered by Lance Stroll’s retirement disrupted several drivers’ strategies.
Hamilton drops to sixth
Leclerc later overtook Hamilton on lap 46 to secure second place, remaining nearly 15 seconds behind Verstappen, who also experienced radio communication problems.
Antonelli eventually passed Hamilton for third, while McLaren’s Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri overtook the struggling Ferrari driver in the closing stages.
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