Red Bull's Max Verstappen won the Singapore Grand Prix at the Marina Bay Street Circuit, marking his second consecutive victory after winning in Bahrain (Malaysia) last weekend. Starting from his 50th career pole position, Verstappen led home Ferrari's Charles Leclerc in second and Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli in third.
"It's taken a while but I think this race was very good. We had pace when we needed to have it on the soft tyre, even though I think the medium tyre for everyone was more of a struggle," Verstappen said. "But it worked out, so of course very happy to win here."
McLaren's Oscar Piastri finished fifth, one place behind teammate Lando Norris, after being forced into an unscheduled second pit stop due to a slow puncture. The 25-year-old Melburnian nonetheless passed seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton on the final lap to secure the position.
"The puncture was a shame, but I think fifth place was the maximum we could have done today," Piastri said. "We didn't quite have the pace to challenge the Red Bull and the Ferraris, although being able to get that final position from Lewis made it worthwhile."
The result comes a day after both McLaren drivers received a public dressing down from team chiefs for colliding on the final lap of Saturday's sprint race, a mishap that has now been partially redeemed by the team's Sunday points haul.
Antonelli extended his championship lead over teammate George Russell to 102 points, and can mathematically clinch his maiden title at the next round in Austin, Texas from October 23 to 25. When informed, the 20-year-old Italian said: "Can I? Really? Well, let's not worry about that. Let's try to do the best weekend as possible and finish the job."
Verstappen's win leaves him fourth in the championship standings and reduces Red Bull's deficit to constructors champion McLaren in the battle for third place to seven points.