Max Verstappen won the 2026 Singapore Grand Prix after keeping the lead at the start and managing the race through several strategic challenges. Charles Leclerc finished second, while Kimi Antonelli secured third place after a late battle involving Lewis Hamilton and Lando Norris. Virtual Safety Car periods and tire strategy played important roles throughout the race at Marina Bay.
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Verstappen Keeps the Lead at the Start
Verstappen started from pole position, with Leclerc alongside him on the front row. The Ferrari driver made a strong start, but Verstappen defended aggressively into Turn 1 and kept first place. Hamilton followed in third, ahead of Antonelli, Norris, and Oscar Piastri.
Early Retirement and the First Pit Stops
Gabriel Bortoleto stopped near the pit lane exit, triggering a Virtual Safety Car. The incident was cleared quickly, and racing resumed shortly afterward. No driver used this period to make a tire change.
Hamilton later reported problems with his medium tires and discussed an alternative strategy with Ferrari. He pitted and switched to soft tires. Antonelli and Leclerc also made their pit stops, while McLaren considered its options for Norris.
Franco Colapinto stopped in the run-off area, creating another difficult moment for the teams. Verstappen and Norris then pitted, followed by Piastri. Piastri’s stop was not clean, but he continued the race.
A Second Virtual Safety Car Changes the Strategy
Lance Stroll suffered a clutch problem and stopped, bringing out another Virtual Safety Car. Leclerc, George Russell, and Antonelli took the opportunity to change tires. Antonelli subsequently reported that his brakes were not working well.
Piastri also experienced a slow puncture and made another pit stop. The changing strategies affected the gaps between the leading drivers as the race entered its final stages.
Antonelli Wins the Late Battle for Third
Hamilton allowed Leclerc through, moving the Ferrari driver into second place. Hamilton remained in the fight for a podium position, but Norris began closing the gap.
In the closing stages, both Norris and Antonelli put Hamilton under pressure. Hamilton locked up under braking, while forcing Norris onto a compromised line. Antonelli took advantage and passed Norris before both drivers moved ahead of Hamilton.
Verstappen secured the victory ahead of Leclerc, while Antonelli completed the podium. Norris also finished ahead of Hamilton, who dropped to sixth place. The result gave Verstappen an important Singapore victory, while Antonelli strengthened his position in the championship fight.
The full results of the race according to FIA.com:
