Verstappen wins Singapore Sprint after Russell crashes

Max Verstappen won the Singapore Grand Prix Sprint on Saturday after George Russell crashed out of the lead at the end of the opening lap, in a rain-delayed race that also featured a last-lap collision between McLaren teammates Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri. Verstappen, driving for Red Bull, finished ahead of Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc. Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli placed fourth, benefiting from the McLaren collision as Norris continued to finish eighth and Piastri did not complete the race. Russell took the lead from polesitter Verstappen at the start, but lost control at the final corner and struck the barrier. The crash brought out the safety car. Russell said he misjudged battery deployment, which pushed him wider than intended and onto a white line before the car slid into the wall. Heavy rain delayed the start by about 30 minutes, and drivers began on intermediate tyres in conditions that varied around the circuit. The McLaren teammates made contact while contesting positions near the front on the final lap. The published classification listed Piastri 14th despite his retirement. The race’s retirement total was reported as either eight or nine.