Russell Crashes After Taking Singapore Sprint Lead

George Russell took the lead from Max Verstappen at the start of the wet Singapore Grand Prix sprint on Saturday, then crashed at the final corner, bringing out a safety car. Verstappen moved into the lead during the neutralisation and went on to win, according to race reports. The sprint start was delayed after a downpour. After the wait and formation laps behind the safety car, Russell passed polesitter Verstappen at the first turn and led before losing control at the final corner. Reports differ on whether the crash happened on lap one or lap two, so the precise lap is unclear. The accounts agree that Russell’s car spun and struck the barriers, and that he was not hit by a following driver. Verstappen led during the safety-car period, with Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc behind him. Hamilton had started sixth and gained three places to run second. The reports describe Verstappen as the sprint winner, but do not provide a complete final classification. Russell’s crash came amid difficult conditions on the street circuit after the rain. One race account said marshals brushed water away in the opening turns before the sprint began.