Max Verstappen put in an assured drive to take victory in the Singapore Grand Prix, the Red Bull driver holding the lead throughout the hot and humid encounter to seal his first Grand Prix win at the Marina Bay Street Circuit.
After defending against Charles Leclerc into the first corner, Verstappen ensured that he emerged with the lead and, while the Ferrari initially remained on his tail, the four-time world champion soon built up a significant gap at the front.
The mid-race pit stops phase did little to change Verstappen’s commanding run, the Dutchman enjoying a smooth stop as he switched from the soft to the medium tires.
From there onward, he was untroubled at the front and, despite suffering some radio issues that resulted in the team having to use the pit board for communication, Verstappen ultimately clinched his 73rd career win on his 250th Grand Prix start.
It was his first in 10 tries in Singapore.
“I think the last few races have been really positive for us, and it’s just great to see. We have a lot of motivation in the team to try and deliver even more results,” Verstappen said. “It’s a really good group of people. I really enjoy working with them, and hopefully we can have a bit more fun until the end of the year.”
Leclerc held onto second, crossing the line 7.3 seconds behind, while Mercedes’ Kimi Antonelli completed the podium in third – a result that would extend the youngster’s championship lead further.
The McLarens of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri were fourth and fifth, ahead of the other Ferrari of Lewis Hamilton. Liam Lawson claimed seventh to add to Racing Bulls’ tally, with Audi’s Nico Hulkenberg just behind in eighth.
