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 ended with a 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 was fourth. The result followed Russell’s early exit: after passing Verstappen at the start, Russell lost control at the final corner and hit the barrier, bringing out the safety car. Russell told Sky Sports he misjudged his battery deployment, which pushed him wider than intended and onto a white line. His car then slid into the wall. The race was run in mixed wet and drying conditions after heavy rain delayed the start by about 30 minutes. Drivers began on intermediate tyres. The McLaren pair made contact on the final lap while contesting positions near the front. Norris continued and finished eighth, while Piastri did not complete the race and was classified 14th. Their collision helped Antonelli secure fourth place.