It was a full-on weekend of F1, with a Sprint race added to the street circuit schedule. Coming at the end of a demanding run of six Grands Prix in seven weeks, it was a significant challenge for everyone involved, not just the teams and drivers. I've always enjoyed the Singapore Grand Prix, right from the first race, despite the relentless heat and humidity that can leave you feeling like you need a shower barely five minutes into the day.
The city is buzzing, the event has a fantastic atmosphere and the F1 cars are relentlessly pounding around the circuit. With just one practice session followed by two qualifying sessions and two races, it makes for an action-packed weekend. However, what took the shine off things a little this year was the unusually poor air quality caused by crop burning in neighbouring countries.
Singapore has long held the mantle as F1's 'business' Grand Prix, combining world-class motorsport with a top-tier music festival. A record combined crowd of more than 300,000 underlined its appeal, making it an event well worth adding to your bucket list if you haven't already been. It was very much Max Verstappen and Red Bull's weekend, with the Dutchman winning both the Sprint and the Grand Prix from pole position.
Combined with his victory at Sepang in Malaysia a few days earlier, that made it three wins in a row. Verstappen is still too far behind to mount another 'Chucky' championship comeback like last season, but he has climbed to fourth in the standings, just eight points behind Lewis Hamilton and 17 behind second-placed George Russell. However, he remains 119 points adrift of championship leader Kimi Antonelli, with 150 points still available, assuming all the remaining races go ahead amid ongoing global conflicts.
After a surprise storm delay and a couple of laps behind the Safety Car, the Sprint finally got under way. George made an impressive start to take the lead from second on the grid, but carried too much speed and throttle into the pit straight at the end of the opening lap, spinning into the concrete barriers. With major power unit penalties already looming for the Grand Prix, this was his best opportunity to make an impact.
The images of him sliding across the white line and wet kerbs felt like a fitting summary of his season so far. Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player This left Max out in front, with Lewis Hamilton's Ferrari keeping him honest, while Charles Leclerc began to drop back in the second Ferrari as he struggled more than most with his worn intermediate tyres. Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris kept a close watch in their McLarens, which had shown strong pace throughout the weekend.
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