Formula 1 remained in Asia for the Singapore Grand Prix, which also hosted the final Sprint of the season and brought to a close a demanding triple-header that began in Baku.

The 4.940-kilometre Marina Bay street circuit has all the typical characteristics of a street track, with barriers close to the racing line and limited overtaking opportunities. However, changes to the third sector introduced in 2023 created more high-speed sections, making the lap smoother and faster than before. Despite several straights, the circuit remains a technical challenge, with its 19 corners demanding frequent braking and acceleration while allowing modern power units to recover energy throughout the lap.

STATISTICS

The Singapore Grand Prix made its debut in 2008, with the 2020 and 2021 editions cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Sebastian Vettel holds the record for the most victories at Marina Bay, with five, followed by Lewis Hamilton with four. Both drivers have also claimed four pole positions at the circuit. Among constructors, Mercedes leads the victory tally with five wins.

FRIDAY

The battle for pole position for the Singapore Sprint remained open until the closing moments of Sprint qualifying. Max Verstappen ultimately set the pace, completing a single flying lap on a fresh set of Soft tires in the final stage, SQ3. His 1:31.156 was enough to secure the top spot ahead of George Russell, who recorded a 1:31.276. Charles Leclerc completed the top three.

Russell had already been the fastest driver in the opening practice session, setting a 1:32.274. Leclerc and Lando Norris followed, both recording their best times on the softest compound available.

SATURDAY

Heavy rain delayed the start of the Sprint, adding another challenge to an already demanding weekend. When the race finally got underway, George Russell took the lead at the start but crashed at the final corner after his rear tire touched the painted white line at the track's edge, sending him into a spin and into the barriers.

Further back, Lance Stroll and Sergio Perez collided while fighting for position, forcing both drivers to retire. Isack Hadjar and Franco Colapinto also exited the race with car problems, followed by Valtteri Bottas on Lap 7. The final lap brought further drama when Lando Norris attempted to pass Oscar Piastri, resulting in a collision that forced Piastri out of the race. Only 13 of the 22 starters finished the race.

Verstappen ultimately came out on top, taking the win ahead of Lewis Hamilton in second and Charles Leclerc in third.

The Dutchman continued his strong form in qualifying, securing pole position for the Grand Prix with a 1:31.373 on his first run in Q3. It was his first pole position at the Singapore circuit.

Leclerc qualified second, while Hamilton secured third place with a 1:31.496.

SUNDAY

Max Verstappen capped a dominant weekend by winning the Singapore Grand Prix, claiming his first victory at the Marina Bay street circuit.

Charles Leclerc finished second, while Kimi Antonelli completed the podium in third place.

Antonelli extended his advantage in the World Championship standings, helped by the ninth-place finish of his closest title rival and Mercedes team-mate, George Russell.

The leading drivers also followed different strategies. Verstappen completed the race with a one-stop strategy, while Leclerc and Antonelli took advantage of a Virtual Safety Car period to make a second pit stop.

A perfect weekend for Verstappen, who took Sprint pole and victory in the Sprint, followed by pole position for the Grand Prix and a commanding win on Sunday.

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