Max Verstappen wins Singapore Grand Prix for 1st time after leading from start to finish

Max Verstappen claimed victory at the Singapore Grand Prix after leading the race from beginning to end on Sunday. The Red Bull driver, a four-time Formula 1 world champion, finished ahead of Ferrari's Charles Leclerc and Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli.

Verstappen had never won the Singapore Grand Prix before, despite finishing second there on three occasions. The race was one of the few remaining Grands Prix missing from the four-time world champion's list of victories. He had already secured his first win at the Marina Bay circuit on Saturday by taking the sprint race.

Starting from pole position, Verstappen had to fend off Leclerc at the start of the race. The Ferrari driver initially got off the line better from the adjacent grid spot, but Verstappen pushed him wide and braked late to retain first place. Leclerc kept the pressure on for the opening 10 laps before Verstappen began to pull clear.

Verstappen gradually extended his advantage over Leclerc, who pitted on lap 24. The Red Bull driver stayed out for another nine laps and returned to the track still leading, ahead of McLaren's Oscar Piastri, who had not yet made his stop.

Leclerc was around 5 seconds behind Verstappen and lost further ground after an extra pit stop. Although the Ferrari driver made up some time on fresher tires, Verstappen maintained control to secure his first victory in Singapore.

Hamilton spent much of the race in third place but slipped down the order in the closing laps. The Ferrari driver was overtaken by Mercedes' Kimi Antonelli and McLaren duo Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, eventually crossing the finish line in sixth.