F1 Singapore GP 2026: Verstappen takes maiden win as Antonelli closes in on world title

Max Verstappen claimed his first Singapore Grand Prix victory on 11 October, leading from pole position to complete a clean sweep of the 2026 race weekend at Marina Bay.

The Red Bull driver had already won Saturday's Sprint before taking victory in Sunday's Grand Prix, finishing 7.335 seconds ahead of Ferrari's Charles Leclerc. Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli completed the podium, 24.573 seconds behind Verstappen.

Verstappen relieved as Red Bull finds its pace

Speaking at the post-race press conference, Verstappen admitted he was relieved to finally win in Singapore, saying the car was now performing as it should.

He explained that Red Bull had made significant progress since Baku, particularly with the car's balance. The unpredictable handling that had troubled him earlier in the season had improved, allowing him to fight at the front with greater confidence.

As for his remaining championship prospects, Verstappen appeared relaxed. His priority, he said, was to enjoy the rest of the season, keep delivering strong results and hopefully add a few more victories.

Looking ahead to the United States Grand Prix, he also joked about the bumps at the Circuit of The Americas in Austin, suggesting he might need to turn into RoboCop to cope with the physical demands of the track.

Leclerc pleased with second, but wanted more

Leclerc was satisfied with Ferrari's performance, although he admitted that finishing second was not quite the result he had hoped for.

He felt Ferrari had shown strong pace in qualifying and, while Verstappen had the faster car on Sunday, the gap between them was smaller than expected.

Leclerc said he had pushed until the end and done everything he could to challenge for victory, but ultimately could not find a way past the Red Bull driver.

Antonelli surprised to learn he could clinch the title in Austin

For 20-year-old Kimi Antonelli, third place in Singapore marked his 14th podium finish of the season. The Mercedes driver now leads the championship with 340 points, 102 clear of team-mate George Russell.

With the season approaching its final stretch, Antonelli could secure his maiden Drivers' World Championship at the United States Grand Prix. If he does, he would become the youngest world champion in Formula 1 history.

When a reporter pointed out that he could wrap up the title in Austin, Antonelli appeared genuinely surprised, asking whether that was really possible.

He was quick to play down the prospect, however, insisting that there was little point worrying about the championship calculations. Instead, he wants to concentrate on the next race weekend and deliver the best performance he can.

Whether Antonelli can clinch the title in Austin will depend on the points scored in both the Sprint and Grand Prix, as well as the results of his closest championship rivals.

Drivers' and Constructors' Championship standings

Antonelli remains at the top of the Drivers' Championship with 340 points, followed by Russell on 238 and Lewis Hamilton on 229.

Verstappen moves up to fourth with 221 points, ahead of Leclerc on 215 and Lando Norris on 201.

Mercedes also continues to lead the Constructors' Championship with 578 points. Ferrari sits second on 444, followed by McLaren with 339.

Red Bull Racing is fourth on 332 points, just seven behind McLaren, leaving the battle for third in the Constructors' standings wide open.

The Formula 1 season continues with the United States Grand Prix at the Circuit of The Americas in Austin from 23 to 25 October.

Source: Formula 1

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