Verstappen on top in Singapore wet Sprint carnage
Max Verstappen started from pole and took the honours in the Singapore Sprint race, but not without a little help from the wet conditions causing a George Russell mistake.
Starting behind Verstappen on the grid, Russell got the better start and took the lead on the first corner. The conditions were treacherous on the Singapore street circuit and on only the second lap, the Englishman was the first to make a mistake, running onto the wet kerbs and spinning into the wall.
Russell out.
Verstappen took the lead in front of the Ferrari's of Lewis Hamilton, who had also started well, and Charles LeClerc. Followed by the Mclaren duo of Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris, and ahead of championship leader Kimi Antonelli.
At the back of the field, on lap 3, Lance Stroll appeared to completely ignore Sergio Perez's successful overtake attempt and turned into the Cadillac, putting it and his Aston Martin in the barrier in the process.
Stroll out.
Perez out.
This was immediately followed by Isaac Hadjar complaining his Red Bull had no engine braking and being ordered to stop the car by his engineer.
Hadjar out.
Colapinto then report technical problems with his Alpine and retired.
Colapinto out
The re-start on lap 6 saw a brave manoeuvre from Bearman in his Haas to pass Pierre Gasly into 8th place. Then more Carnage. Alex Albon missed his braking point in his Williams and crashed into the back of Audi's Borteleto, and caused Bottas, behind him, to also collide. Both with front wing damage.
Albon out.
Borteleto out.
Bottas out.
Meanwhile, back at the front, Verstappen built a healthy 3.5sec lead over Hamilton who looked more comfortable than team-mate LeClerc, who was being pressured by the Mclarens for the final podium.
Turn 5, final lap, and Norris attacks Piastri. Contact with both spinning and gifting Antonelli points as he took advantage.
Piastri out.
Norris did manage to restart and finish 8th.
Verstappen took a comfortable win ahead of Hamilton and LeClerc.
Nine cars failed to complete the 20 lap Sprint and with showers and with thunderstorms forecast for the GP on Sunday, expect more carbon fibre to litter the Singapore streets.
