Verstappen seals Singapore win as Ferrari strategy gamble leaves Hamilton sixth

Verstappen completes Singapore double

Max Verstappen turned a weekend of Red Bull dominance into victory at the Singapore Grand Prix, adding the race win to his earlier Sprint triumph. He defended the lead at the start against Charles Leclerc, then controlled the race from the front and held on through the pit-stop phase.

Verstappen said it was “an amazing feeling to finally win here in Singapore” after previous missed opportunities at the circuit. He reported strong pace throughout the race, though he had to manage issues including a radio problem. Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekies praised the performance and said the team had delivered “Pole and victory in both the Sprint and the Grand Prix.”

Leclerc takes second as Hamilton slips to sixth

Leclerc finished second for Ferrari after challenging Verstappen at the start, but said the Red Bull driver had been too strong to catch. Ferrari split its strategy options, with Lewis Hamilton starting on Medium tyres in an attempt to make a long first stint and a one-stop race work.

Hamilton said the Medium tyre did not perform as well as the Soft. During a late Virtual Safety Car, Ferrari called him into the pits, but he missed the pit entry and chose to stay out. His tyres then faded in the closing laps, and he lost places to finish sixth. Hamilton accepted responsibility, calling it “a painful lesson” and apologising to the team for the points lost.

Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur said the team had called both cars in while they were running second and third, adding that missing the entry likely cost Hamilton the chance to fight for a podium. Leclerc’s second place was the team’s stronger result, but Vasseur acknowledged that Red Bull had more pace across the weekend.

Hadjar fights from the pit lane for a point

Isack Hadjar came through the field to finish 10th and claim the final point. He had been required to start from the pit lane after set-up changes under parc fermé conditions and the installation of additional power-unit components. Hadjar said the Soft tyre helped him make progress and described overtaking from the back as enjoyable.

Red Bull said Hadjar’s recovery followed a difficult weekend and praised his pace and commitment. The team now turns its attention to Austin, where Verstappen said the bumpy circuit would present a different challenge.