The Singapore Grand Prix weekend was a demanding one, with a Sprint race added to the street circuit schedule. Coming at the end of six Grands Prix in seven weeks, it posed a significant challenge for everyone involved, not just the teams and drivers.
Martin Brundle has always enjoyed the Singapore Grand Prix, despite the relentless heat and humidity. The city is buzzing, the atmosphere is fantastic and the cars are relentlessly pounding around the circuit. However, unusually poor air quality caused by crop burning in neighbouring countries took the shine off things this year. Singapore has long held the mantle as F1's 'business' Grand Prix, combining world-class motorsport with a top-tier music festival. A record combined crowd of more than 300,000 underlined its appeal.
It was very much Max Verstappen and Red Bull's weekend, with the Dutchman winning both the Sprint and the Grand Prix from pole position. Combined with his victory at Sepang a few days earlier, that made three wins in a row. Verstappen remains 119 points behind championship leader Kimi Antonelli, with 150 points still available, though he has climbed to fourth in the standings.
George Russell made an impressive start to take the lead in the Sprint, but carried too much speed into the pit straight at the end of the opening lap and spun into the concrete barriers. With major power unit penalties looming for the Grand Prix, it was his best chance to make an impact. The images of him sliding across the white line and wet kerbs felt like a fitting summary of his season so far.
Source: Sky Sports Champions League · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing