F1: Verstappen Beats Hamilton to Win Rain-Hit Singapore Sprint
Max Verstappen claimed victory in a chaotic Singapore Grand Prix Sprint on Saturday, holding off Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton after a rain-disrupted race at the Marina Bay Street Circuit.
The Red Bull driver secured the win after Mercedes’ George Russell, who started second, briefly took the lead before crashing out at the final corner on the opening lap. Russell’s retirement allowed Verstappen to regain the advantage, which he maintained through the remainder of the race.
The Sprint began around 30 minutes behind schedule following heavy rainfall, leaving drivers to contend with slippery conditions before the track gradually dried.
Hamilton finished second for Ferrari, crossing the line 2.591 seconds behind Verstappen, while Charles Leclerc completed the podium in third.
The closing stages also produced drama for McLaren, as Lando Norris made contact with team-mate Oscar Piastri while attempting an overtake. Norris continued to finish eighth, while Piastri was classified 14th after retiring on the final lap.
Championship leader Kimi Antonelli capitalised on the incidents to finish fourth, ahead of Racing Bulls’ Liam Lawson and Haas driver Oliver Bearman.
The result handed Verstappen eight points from the Sprint, with Hamilton collecting seven and Leclerc taking six.
Attention now turns to qualifying later on Saturday, ahead of Sunday’s Singapore Grand Prix, where Verstappen will look to carry his momentum into the main race.
