MARINA BAY, Singapore — Max Verstappen won Singapore’s rain-affected Sprint after George Russell crashed on the opening lap and McLaren teammates Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris collided late in the race.
A heavy downpour delayed the start by around 30 minutes, with all drivers beginning on intermediate tires. Russell passed polesitter Verstappen at Turn 1 but lost control at the final corner and hit the wall, handing the lead back to Verstappen.
Lewis Hamilton moved from sixth to second after Russell’s crash, while Charles Leclerc ran third ahead of Piastri and Norris. As the track dried, drivers stayed on intermediates, with Leclerc reporting severe tire wear.
The McLarens battled for position late in the race, but Norris made contact with Piastri at Turn 5. Both spun, with Norris dropping to eighth and Piastri eventually finishing 14th, one lap down.
Verstappen controlled the restart and took the victory ahead of Hamilton and Leclerc. Kimi Antonelli finished fourth, followed by Liam Lawson, Ollie Bearman and Nico Hülkenberg.
The race featured several other incidents. Sergio Perez and Lance Stroll collided on the opening lap, while Isack Hadjar and Franco Colapinto also retired early. Alex Albon, Gabriel Bortoleto and Valtteri Bottas were involved in a later three-car collision, with Albon eventually retiring.
Verstappen’s win extended his strong form in the opening Sprint in Singapore, while the McLaren collision cost the team a potential podium finish.
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