Verstappen chases first Singapore win as triple-header ends

Russell starts last after Sepang engine failure

Wire Report IntelligenceUpdated 58m1 min read

What happened: Formula 1 closes its Baku-Sepang-Singapore triple-header with round 17 at Marina Bay this weekend. Max Verstappen arrives after taking his first victory of 2026 in Malaysia. George Russell takes a new power unit and starts from the back in Singapore.

Why it matters: Kimi Antonelli leads Russell by 84 points with eight wins and 13 podiums in 16 grands prix. Singapore features mainly low-speed corners that will test the upgraded W17 after Sepang exposed weakness in slow turns. Verstappen owns 72 grand prix wins but has never won at Marina Bay.

By the numbers: Antonelli: 8 wins, 13 podiums in 16 races, +84 on Russell. Verstappen: 72 career wins, 0 Singapore wins, first 2026 win at Sepang. Russell: won 2025 Singapore from pole; Sepang failure triggered fifth power unit and back-row start.

What to watch: Sunday's Marina Bay final ends the triple-header before focus shifts to round 18. Watch Antonelli's gap, Verstappen's drought bid and Russell's climb through the field.

Sources

Motorsport F1 2026-10-07T14:54:20.009049+00:00

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