Verstappen takes victory in Singapore’s first F1 sprint

Red Bull driver Max Verstappen won Singapore’s inaugural Formula 1 sprint on Oct 10, earning eight points at the Marina Bay Street Circuit. He completed the 20 laps in 39min 48.162sec, with Ferrari drivers Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc taking the remaining top-three places.

Rain postponed the start by more than 30 minutes, and every driver began on intermediate tyres. Verstappen had pole position but lost the lead at the start to Mercedes’ George Russell, whose race ended in a crash on lap two.

Championship leader Kimi Antonelli finished fourth for Mercedes, adding five points. Racing Bulls’ Liam Lawson, Haas driver Oliver Bearman, Audi’s Nico Hulkenberg and McLaren’s Lando Norris also scored points in the sixth and final sprint of the 2026 season.

Russell’s accident brought out the safety car for four laps. Lance Stroll, Sergio Perez, Isack Hadjar and Franco Colapinto retired during that period. Valtteri Bottas, Gabriel Bortoleto and Alex Albon also failed to finish, while Oscar Piastri crashed on the last lap following contact with McLaren teammate Norris.

Verstappen acknowledged that Russell’s crash had helped him and said his poor start needed addressing before the grand prix. Hamilton said Ferrari had shown good pace and hoped stronger qualifying positions would allow both cars to challenge Mercedes and Red Bull.

Singapore had not staged a sprint weekend since its grand prix began in 2008. It will not hold a sprint in 2027, having been left out of the calendar’s 10 sprint events.