Singapore finally belongs to Max Verstappen, but he had to survive a fierce opening challenge and a late-race strategy battle to claim it.
Charles Leclerc launched brilliantly from P2 and drew alongside Verstappen into Turn 1, but the Red Bull driver held firm and kept the lead. From there, Verstappen controlled the 62-lap race under the Marina Bay lights, eventually taking his first Singapore Grand Prix victory on his 250th F1 start.
Behind him, the action rarely settled. Ollie Bearman and Esteban Ocon went wheel-to-wheel in a tense Haas battle, while George Russell charged through the field after starting near the back.
Two Virtual Safety Car periods shook up the strategy. Gabriel Bortoleto stopped with a suspected gearbox problem, while Lance Stroll later retired with a clutch issue. Leclerc and Kimi Antonelli used the second VSC to pit, setting up a dramatic final phase.
Lewis Hamilton tried to stretch his soft tires to the finish, but the grip disappeared. Antonelli swept past to grab third, Norris followed into fourth, and Piastri eventually pushed Hamilton down to sixth.
At the front, Verstappen stayed untouchable. He won ahead of Leclerc, while Antonelli’s third place extended his championship lead and gave him a chance to clinch the title in Austin.
Watch the full 2026 Singapore Grand Prix highlights to see the bold overtakes, strategy swings, and Verstappen’s long-awaited Marina Bay breakthrough.
