Singapore Grand Prix: Max Verstappen wins sprint from Lewis Hamilton after George Russell crashes out
Max Verstappen took victory in the Singapore Grand Prix sprint after Mercedes driver George Russell crashed while leading. Lewis Hamilton finished second, with Charles Leclerc third.
Heavy rain in parts of the circuit delayed the start by 30 minutes. Russell passed Verstappen at the start, but lost control on the opening lap and hit barriers on both sides of the track. The other drivers avoided his car.
The accident brought out a safety car. After racing resumed, Hamilton briefly pressured Verstappen, who then pulled clear to secure the win.
A last-lap clash between McLaren teammates Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri changed the finishing order. Piastri struck the barriers and retired; Norris continued but dropped to eighth. Kimi Antonelli rose to fourth.
Russell said he made a mistake in the wet, explaining that he touched the white line after getting more power than expected. The sprint result gives Verstappen the win, while Russell’s crash ended his chance to strengthen his title hopes in the race.
Key points
- Verstappen won ahead of Hamilton after Russell crashed from the lead.
- Rain delayed the sprint by 30 minutes, and Russell’s accident triggered a safety car.
- Piastri retired after a final-lap collision with Norris, who finished eighth.