Verstappen Pounces as Russell Spins Out of Lead in Singapore Sprint

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Max Verstappen took advantage of a costly first-lap error by George Russell to win the first Formula 1 Sprint ever held at Marina Bay Street Circuit in Singapore on Saturday, Oct. 10. Russell led briefly before spinning into the barrier at Turn 19.

Heavy rain delayed the start, and a wave of retirements then reshaped the race. Verstappen, who started from pole, drove clear after the restart to win by 2.591 seconds.

Max Verstappen won the first Formula 1 Sprint at Singapore's Marina Bay Street Circuit after George Russell crashed on the opening lap. [photo credit: Fiona Smith (Singapore GP Pte Ltd)] — Max Verstappen won the first Formula 1 Sprint at Singapore’s Marina Bay Street Circuit after George Russell crashed on the opening lap. [photo credit: Fiona Smith (Singapore GP Pte Ltd)]

Singapore Sprint Result: Russell Crash Hands Verstappen the Win

Russell made a brilliant launch from the front row and moved into the lead. Rounding Turn 19 onto the finishing straight for the first time, he lost control, spun through 180 degrees and hit the inside barrier.

Russell was unhurt and owned the error afterward. “Miscalculation,” he said. “I had more battery deployment than I thought, and it pushed me wide onto the white line. Silly mistake, big consequences.”

The crash brought out the Safety Car for five laps. Nine drivers retired in all, including Lance Stroll and Sergio Pérez, who collided on the opening lap.

Verstappen then pulled away to win by 2.591 seconds over Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc. Hamilton also set the fastest lap, a 1:45.457, on the final lap.

“We got a bit lucky with what happened with George,” Verstappen said. “After that, we just wanted to keep it calm and under control.” It was the Red Bull driver’s 13th Sprint victory.

F1 Championship Race: Antonelli Extends Lead Over Russell

Mercedes teammate Kimi Antonelli kept out of trouble and finished fourth. That stretched his championship lead over Russell to 89 points, up from 84 entering the weekend.

Russell must serve a grid penalty for Sunday’s Singapore Grand Prix, which will send him toward the back of the field. His Sprint result adds pressure in a title fight that is tilting toward Antonelli.

Late drama also struck McLaren. Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris clashed on the final lap while chasing Leclerc’s Ferrari, and only Norris limped home in eighth.

Liam Lawson took fifth for Racing Bulls, and Audi’s Nico Hülkenberg finished seventh. Haas driver Oliver Bearman also pulled off the overtake of the race on Pierre Gasly’s Alpine.

Verstappen is looking ahead to Sunday. “The start was horrendous again, so it’s definitely something we need to improve on,” he said.