Accra:Max Verstappen claimed victory in a thrilling, rain-affected Sprint race on the streets of Singapore, overcoming challenging conditions that saw George Russell crash and McLaren drivers collide in the final laps.
According to Azerbaijan State News Agency, the race was delayed due to a pre-race downpour, with drivers starting on intermediate tires as the track dried. George Russell initially surged past polesitter Verstappen, only to crash at the final corner of the first lap, allowing Verstappen to regain the lead.
Lewis Hamilton capitalized on a strong start, moving from sixth to third and then into second after Russell’s crash. He led the chase behind Verstappen, followed by Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc and McLaren teammates Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris. A collision between Norris and Piastri at Turn 5 reshuffled positions, benefiting several drivers.
Kimi Antonelli, leading the championship, finished fourth, with Liam Lawson, Ollie Bearman, and Nico Hulkenberg also gaining from the McLaren clash. Norris dropped to eighth, while Piastri was classified 14th after stopping.
Several drivers, including Alex Albon, Gabriel Bortoleto, and Valtteri Bottas, did not finish due to a three-car crash, while others like Isack Hadjar, Franco Colapinto, Sergio Perez, and Lance Stroll retired early.
Verstappen noted the challenges at the start and expressed his satisfaction with the win, while acknowledging the importance of the upcoming Grand Prix. The drivers are set to return to the track for the Singapore Grand Prix qualifying session later in the evening.