SINGAPORE: Carlos Sainz etched his name into Formula 1 history by halting Max Verstappen’s formidable winning streak at the Singapore Grand Prix. Sainz’s masterful performance saw him fend off a late-race assault from three determined drivers, clinching a victory that put an end to the chatter of Red Bull season dominance.
The Marina Bay grid witnessed 19 drivers poised for action after Lance Stroll’s withdrawal due to lingering effects from a qualifying crash. Pole-sitter Carlos Sainz led the charge, swiftly followed by Charles Leclerc, forging a spectacular Ferrari 1-2.
As the race unfolded, Sainz maintained a narrow lead over Leclerc, with George Russell hot on their heels. While Sainz expressed confidence in his pace, Leclerc received team orders to create a modest gap. Mercedes hinted at the potential sacrifice of Leclerc to secure a win for Russell.
The race took a dramatic turn when a safety car was deployed after Logan Sargeant’s mishap at Turn 8. Sainz and Leclerc made pivotal pit stops, while Verstappen opted to stay out, reshuffling the front-runners.
Sainz, now back in the lead, faced relentless pressure from Russell, Norris, and Hamilton. The battle intensified, culminating in a final lap that kept spectators on the edge of their seats. In a shocking twist, Russell lost control, crashing into the barriers and clearing the path for Sainz to seize a triumphant victory.
Lando Norris secured an impressive second place, with Lewis Hamilton not far behind. Charles Leclerc claimed fourth, followed by Verstappen, Gasly, Piastri, Perez, Lawson, and Magnussen, marking a remarkable debut for Lawson in only his third race.
Sainz’s exceptional performance not only secured his place in Formula 1 history but also brought a thrilling end to Verstappen’s relentless winning streak, injecting a fresh wave of excitement into the championship race.
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