Verstappen wins Singapore Grand Prix for the first time

Max Verstappen won Formula 1's Singapore Grand Prix on Oct. 11. The Red Bull driver completed the 62-lap race at the Marina Bay Street Circuit in 1 hour, 42 minutes and 0.785 seconds, finishing 7.335 seconds ahead of Ferrari's Charles Leclerc. Mercedes' Kimi Antonelli completed the podium in third.

Starting the 250th Grand Prix of his career, Verstappen won the main race in Singapore for the first time, taking his tally of victories to 73. The Dutchman capped a flawless weekend that also included pole position and a sprint race win.

Leader from start to finish

Starting from pole, Verstappen held the lead into the first corner despite a strong getaway from Leclerc and led all 62 laps. Having started the race on soft tires, Verstappen pitted on lap 33 and went on to win with a single stop, despite suffering a radio problem in the closing stages.

Virtual safety cars shape strategies

The virtual safety car was deployed twice during the race. The first came after Gabriel Bortoleto's Audi stopped near the pit exit; marshals tackled a fire that broke out in the car. The second followed when Lance Stroll's Aston Martin was stranded on track with a clutch problem.

Ferrari's two drivers ran different strategies. Leclerc, on fresher tires, took second place, while Lewis Hamilton, whose pace dropped in the final laps, finished sixth after starting the race from third.