Verstappen Wins Singapore Sprint as Russell Crashes Out of the Lead

Max Verstappen claimed his first sprint victory of the 2026 season on Saturday at a rain-hit Marina Bay Circuit, winning the Singapore Grand Prix sprint after George Russell crashed out from the lead.

Russell made the better start on the wet track and dived past Verstappen into the first corner. But the Mercedes driver misjudged a slippery painted white line at the end of the second lap, spun across the circuit and into the barrier, ending his race. He later admitted it was a silly mistake, blaming overconfidence and more power from the battery than he expected.

From there, Verstappen controlled the race on the drying track, crossing the line 2.591 seconds ahead of Ferrari's Lewis Hamilton, with Charles Leclerc third. Kimi Antonelli was fourth in the upgraded Mercedes, extending his championship lead to 89 points after his teammate's misfortune, while Liam Lawson and Oliver Bearman impressed in fifth and sixth.

There was late drama behind them as McLaren teammates Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris collided on the final lap while fighting for position. Piastri was eliminated from the race, while Norris grabbed the final point in eighth. Both were summoned to the stewards, but no further action was taken.

The result capped a strong day for Verstappen, who also took pole position for Sunday's Grand Prix — his first at Marina Bay. Russell, who faces a 40-place grid penalty for engine changes, starts from the back of the grid on Sunday.