2025 Singapore Grand Prix Recap

By Ryan Wu

With the Constructors' Championship decided, all attention now turns to the Drivers’ Championship as Formula 1 heads into the final six races of the season.

Norris Makes Up Ground While Verstappen Continues Strong Run of Form

George Russell capitalized on his second pole position of the season to secure his second win, finishing ahead of Max Verstappen and Lando Norris. The Dutchman had some strong words for Norris after qualifying, as he was forced to abandon his final lap due to what he believed was dirty air caused by Norris cruising two seconds ahead of him. Verstappen remarked, “So let’s note it. Will be remembered as well.” In the end, he had the last laugh, finishing just under half a second ahead of the British driver.

Lando Norris endured a difficult qualifying session, starting 5th and, importantly, two positions behind Oscar Piastri. In the opening corners, he damaged his front wing endplate while battling both Piastri and Verstappen for third place, making contact with each of his Championship rivals. McLaren’s team management did not favor Piastri, as they chose not to issue team orders for the drivers to swap positions, citing that Norris had to avoid Verstappen. Norris later gained an advantage through strategy, undercutting Piastri by pitting one lap earlier on lap 27 with a quick 2.1-second stop.

Piastri’s stop the following lap was much slower at 5.1 seconds, costing him valuable time in his pursuit of Norris. This delay ultimately proved decisive, as he crossed the line 2.1 seconds behind his teammate. The late-race battle between Norris and Verstappen for second place reignited with about 10 laps remaining, but the reigning World Champion successfully held off Norris to retain the position. George Russell delivered a superb weekend overall, finishing comfortably ahead of both Verstappen and Norris to take the victory.

McLaren Claims Constructors’ Title Once Again

After going 26 years without a Constructors’ Championship win, the Papaya team has now claimed back-to-back titles with a dominant season. McLaren has won 12 of 18 races and secured 28 podiums, holding an astounding 325-point lead over Mercedes. Their dominance is so complete that even if you combined the total points of Mercedes and Ferrari, who currently sit second and third in the standings, their total would still fall short of McLaren’s tally.

This marks the team’s first set of consecutive Constructors' titles since 1990 and 1991, signaling a triumphant return to the top of Formula 1. It is a remarkable turnaround for McLaren, who endured difficult years following Lewis Hamilton’s departure and their struggles with the Honda engine, failing to finish higher than 5th in the Constructors' standings between 2013 and 2018.

Rookie Report

Kimi Antonelli built on his strong performance in Baku with another solid result, finishing 5th to secure consecutive top-five finishes. Oliver Bearman returned to the points with a 9th-place finish, while rookie sensation Isack Hadjar missed out on points after experiencing engine troubles.

Racing Refresh Driver of the Day

George Russell, Mercedes

Final Points Finishing Positions

1st: George Russell

2nd: Max Verstappen

3rd: Lando Norris

4th: Oscar Piastri

5th: Kimi Antonelli

6th: Charles Leclerc

7th: Fernando Alonso

8th: Lewis Hamilton

9th: Oliver Bearman

10th: Carlos Sainz

Next on the F1 Schedule:

United States Grand Prix: October 17th-19th