Red Bull's Max Verstappen secured his first Singapore Grand Prix victory, dominating from start to finish after fighting off Charles Leclerc at Turn One. The win follows Red Bull's breakthrough victory in Malaysia last weekend, signalling the team's resurgence. Leclerc finished second for Ferrari, while Mercedes rookie Kimi Antonelli claimed a stunning third place, extending his championship lead to 102 points over team-mate George Russell (ninth from 19th on the grid). Antonelli could clinch his maiden world title at the next race in Austin on 25 October if he wins with Russell ninth or lower and Lewis Hamilton fifth or lower.
Hamilton finished sixth after a baffling Ferrari strategy. Starting on mediums, he pitted early for softs but refused a second stop under a late virtual safety car, trying to run 44 laps on one tyre set. He lost positions to Antonelli, Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri in the closing laps. Ferrari also declined to let Leclerc pass Hamilton for track position, a decision questioned by the Briton.
Verstappen praised his team's motivation, while Antonelli played down title talk: "Let's not worry about that, let's try to do the best weekend possible."
Source: BBC Sport · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing