Max Verstappen Wins Singapore for the First Time: Red Bull Dominance and a Career Milestone
On 11 October 2026, the Singapore Grand Prix — the 17th round of the Formula 1 season — took place under the lights of the Marina Bay Street Circuit. Four-time world champion Max Verstappen (Red Bull Racing) claimed his first-ever victory at this track, completing a perfect weekend: pole position in qualifying, a sprint race win, and a dominant performance in the main race.
Race Report
Verstappen started from pole and successfully fended off an early challenge from Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) into Turn 1. Despite radio communication issues (the team had to use the pit board), the Dutchman controlled the race from start to finish. He completed 62 laps in 1:42:00.785 and finished 7.335 seconds clear of the field.
Leclerc remained in second place throughout and tried to close the gap on fresh soft tyres after a late Virtual Safety Car, but Verstappen had enough in hand. Championship leader Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes) took third and extended his lead in the drivers’ standings to 102 points.
Full Results (Top 10)
Max Verstappen (Red Bull) — 1:42:00.785
Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) — +7.335
Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes) — +24.573
Lando Norris (McLaren) — +40.506
Oscar Piastri (McLaren) — +49.644
Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari) — +53.188
Liam Lawson (Racing Bulls) — +1:21.666
Nico Hülkenberg (Audi) — +1:23.386
George Russell (Mercedes) — +1:24.677
Isack Hadjar (Red Bull) — +1:30.862
Fastest lap: Charles Leclerc (1:35.202).
Key Moments
Hamilton’s strategy. The Briton started third but dropped to sixth after deciding not to pit when instructed, spending 44 laps on soft tyres.
Recovery drives. Russell started 19th due to an engine penalty and climbed to ninth. Hadjar started from the pit lane and scored a point.
Retirements. Lance Stroll (clutch), Franco Colapinto (transmission) and Gabriel Bortoleto (early retirement) all failed to finish.
This was Verstappen’s 73rd career win and his 250th Grand Prix. He had never previously won or even taken pole in Singapore.
Championship Standings
After Singapore:
Kimi Antonelli — 340 points
George Russell — 238
Lewis Hamilton — 229
Max Verstappen — 221
Charles Leclerc — 215
Mercedes leads the Constructors’ Championship. Red Bull closed the gap to McLaren in the battle for third.
Verstappen said after the race: “It has taken a while, but I think this race was very good. The last few races have been really positive for us and it’s just great to see. Hopefully we can have a bit more fun until the end of the year.”
The next round is the United States Grand Prix in Austin, where Antonelli could mathematically seal the world title.
