Max Verstappen Claims Maiden Singapore Grand Prix Victory in Perfect Weekend

Posted : 12 October 2026

Max Verstappen secured his first-ever Singapore Grand Prix victory on Sunday, leading Red Bull to a commanding win at the Marina Bay Street Circuit and completing a flawless weekend that included victories in the sprint race and pole positions for both events.

The four-time world champion crossed the finish line 7.335 seconds ahead of Ferrari's Charles Leclerc, while Mercedes driver and championship leader Kimi Antonelli finished third after 62 laps under the floodlights. The triumph marked Verstappen's 73rd career Grand Prix victory and came on his 250th Formula One race start.

Verstappen had endured nine previous appearances in Singapore without winning or securing pole position. His latest success ended that frustrating record and followed his victory in Malaysia the previous weekend, marking consecutive Grand Prix wins in a resurgent spell for Red Bull.

The Dutchman faced immediate pressure from Leclerc at the start, with the Ferrari driver making a strong getaway and threatening to challenge for the lead into the first corner. Verstappen moved across to protect his position and successfully maintained control as the race progressed.

Red Bull's pit-stop strategy helped preserve the advantage, with Verstappen switching tyres before returning to the track in front of his rivals. Although communication problems forced the team to rely on alternative methods to relay instructions, he managed his pace and tyres effectively to secure the victory.

Reflecting on the achievement, Verstappen expressed satisfaction with the car's performance on both soft and medium tyres. He also praised the team's recent progress and said the positive results had strengthened motivation within the Red Bull camp as the season approached its conclusion.

Behind the leading pair, Antonelli secured another podium finish to strengthen his position in the drivers' championship. The Mercedes youngster extended his advantage over teammate George Russell to 102 points, moving closer to a potential maiden world title.

McLaren's Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri finished fourth and fifth respectively, while Ferrari's Lewis Hamilton endured a difficult afternoon to take sixth. Hamilton's decision to remain on older tyres during a later phase of the race proved costly, allowing several rivals to overtake him in the closing laps.

The seven-time world champion accepted responsibility over team radio, apologising to Ferrari and acknowledging that his tyre strategy had cost the team valuable points. Liam Lawson finished seventh for Racing Bulls, followed by Nico Hülkenberg in eighth for Audi. Russell recovered to ninth after starting near the back because of an engine penalty, while Isack Hadjar completed the top 10 after beginning from the pit lane.

With Verstappen back-to-back victories highlighting Red Bull's improving form and Antonelli continuing to build his championship lead, attention now turns to the United States Grand Prix in Austin, scheduled for October 23–25.

Max Verstappen Claims Maiden Singapore Grand Prix Victory in Perfect Weekend

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