Max Verstappen Wins Maiden Singapore Grand Prix

 

Max Verstappen has finally made it to the top of the podium in Marina Bay, after holding off a contest from Charles Leclerc to win his maiden race in the Singapore Grand Prix. 

Unlike the Sprint, Sunday's final was dry and chaos-free from the start. Starting off the grid, pole-setter Verstappen held off Leclerc's challenge on the inside lane at the first corner, clinging on to the provisional pole. He finished first, setting the fastest time of 1:42:00.785 seconds. 

While Leclerc finished P2, Lewis Hamilton gradually dropped in track position. First, the Briton lost track position to Kimi Antonelli, who moved up to podium places. Lando Norris also took on the former F1 champions, beating him to the front row. 

Oscar Priastri also challenged  Hamilton on Lap 62. The Australian was racing on fresher soft tyres than Hamilton and gained traction on the inside lane, overtaking the Mercedes driver to move up in track position. 

George Russell had a less conspicuou

s race, finishing outside of the top five. Despite finishing behind Verstappen, Antonelli extends his F1 championship points and is set to clinch the drivers' trophy in the next weekend's race.

Pit and Tyres

Red Bull's game plan on Verstappen's tyre choice worked out effectively. Unlike Leclerc, he drove on medium tyres in the final stages, giving him the traction needed to stay ahead. Hamilton drove longer on soft tyres longer than Leclerc, who pitted earlier than him for medium tyres.

The first virtual safety car was deployed when Audi's Gabriel Bortoleti retired from the race, packing up at the pit lane. Another moment virtual safety car was deployed was when Lance Stroll  retired from over clutch issues. 

Singapore Grand Prix Top 10

1. Max Verstappen (Red Bull)

2. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari)

3. Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes)

4. Lando Norris (McLaren)

5. Oscar Piastri (McLaren)

6. Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari)

7. Liam Lawson (RB)

8. Nico Hulkenberg (Audi)

9. George Russell (Mercedes)

10. Isack Hadjar (Red Bull)