F1 Singapore Grand Prix 2026: Max Verstappen Wins Ahead of Charles Leclerc and Kimi Antonelli

Singapore, October 11, 2026: Max Verstappen claimed his first Singapore Grand Prix victory on Sunday, October 11, 2026, leading from start to finish at the Marina Bay Street Circuit. The Red Bull driver beat Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc by 7.335 seconds, while Mercedes rookie Kimi Antonelli completed the podium in third place. The result marked Verstappen’s 73rd career Formula 1 victory and came on his 250th Grand Prix start.

Verstappen converted pole position into victory in the 62-lap race, delivering a controlled performance in Singapore’s demanding heat and humidity. Despite pressure from Leclerc in the opening stages, the four-time world champion maintained the lead and gradually established a comfortable advantage.

Verstappen Controls Singapore Grand Prix

Leclerc made a strong start from the front row and challenged Verstappen into Turn 1, but the Red Bull driver defended the inside line to retain the lead. Lewis Hamilton held third initially, ahead of Antonelli, as the leading drivers settled into their race strategies.

Verstappen subsequently built a gap at the front, while the pit-stop phase did little to alter his advantage. The Dutchman switched from soft to medium tyres and continued to manage the race effectively, even after experiencing radio communication issues with his team.

Two Virtual Safety Car periods added a strategic element to the race, but Verstappen remained in control throughout. Leclerc attempted to close the gap in the closing laps but ultimately finished 7.335 seconds behind the winner.

The victory was Verstappen’s first at Marina Bay and continued his strong run of form as the 2026 Formula 1 season entered its final phase.

Leclerc Secures Ferrari Podium as Hamilton Loses Ground

Ferrari secured second place through Leclerc, who produced a competitive drive to finish ahead of Antonelli. However, the Italian team missed an opportunity to place both cars on the podium after a costly pit-lane error involving Hamilton.

The Virtual Safety Car triggered by Lance Stroll’s retirement presented Ferrari with an opportunity to bring both drivers in for tyre changes. While Leclerc successfully entered the pit lane, Hamilton missed the entry and continued on track.

Hamilton subsequently struggled with tyre degradation and lost positions in the closing stages, finishing sixth. The seven-time world champion apologised to Ferrari over team radio, accepting responsibility for the mistake.

Leclerc’s second place nevertheless provided Ferrari with a valuable result, while the missed opportunity underlined the importance of strategic execution on the tight Singapore street circuit.

Antonelli Extends Championship Lead With Third Place

Mercedes’ Kimi Antonelli finished third, 24.573 seconds behind Verstappen, after a late battle for the final podium position. The result added another strong finish to the young Italian’s campaign and extended his advantage in the drivers’ championship.

McLaren’s Lando Norris finished fourth, ahead of teammate Oscar Piastri in fifth. The pair avoided further contact in the Grand Prix following their collision during Saturday’s rain-affected Sprint.

Hamilton took sixth for Ferrari, while Liam Lawson secured seventh for Racing Bulls. Audi’s Nico Hülkenberg finished eighth, ahead of Mercedes driver George Russell, who recovered to ninth after starting from the back of the field. Red Bull’s Isack Hadjar completed the top 10.

Three drivers retired from the race: Aston Martin’s Lance Stroll, Alpine’s Franco Colapinto and Audi’s Gabriel Bortoleto.

2026 F1 Singapore Grand Prix: Complete Race Results

Note: The classification is based on the published provisional race results.

What the Singapore GP Result Means

Verstappen’s commanding victory reinforced Red Bull’s competitiveness, while Leclerc’s second place offered Ferrari a strong points haul despite Hamilton’s late-race difficulties. Antonelli’s podium was another important result in his championship campaign, with the Mercedes driver extending his lead at the top of the standings.

For McLaren, Norris and Piastri collected fourth and fifth, respectively, after a difficult Sprint weekend. Russell’s recovery to ninth also limited the damage for Mercedes following his Sprint crash.

With the Singapore Grand Prix completed, attention now turns to the remaining rounds of the 2026 Formula 1 season, where every point could prove decisive in the championship battles.