Verstappen’s revival to be put to test in steamy Singapore

Just 300 kilometers south of Malaysia, Singapore will host the Singapore Grand Prix this weekend, putting Max Verstappen's resurgence to the ultimate test. The Red Bull driver, who secured his first victory of the year at the Sepang Circuit in Malaysia, may have to overcome challenging elements and his poor record at the Marina Bay Street Circuit.

Verstappen's triumph at Sepang was marred by a chaotic formation lap that forced a one-and-a-half-hour delay due to a software glitch affecting wet conditions settings. "At some points, we were five-wide on the straight because we couldn't understand it," Verstappen admitted. "I saw eight cars crawling and Lewis (Hamilton) stopped. It's not what you want for the sport."

With rain forecast for both the Saturday's sprint race and qualifying, as well as Sunday's night grand prix, Verstappen faces a physically demanding challenge in the Marina Bay Street Circuit. Drivers often lose up to three kilograms during the 62-lap, steamy 62-lap race, which can last the entire two-hour time limit.

Verstappen's floor upgrade and a better understanding of the new generation car led him to describe the Sepang result as "amazing." Kimi Antinelli, driving for Mercedes, finished second and is likely to challenge for the championship lead again. Antinelli benefited from another setback for his teammate and title rival George Russell, who failed to finish after a power unit failure when running third with five laps remaining in Malaysia.

Russell has failed to finish three times in 16 Grand Prix events so far in 2026. Lewis Hamilton, who has won four times in Singapore previously, expressed satisfaction with his third-place finish at Sepang after starting on unsuitable dry tires and dropping to the back. "To finish on the podium after the way the race began feels really satisfying," Hamilton said.

"It is a great reward for the hard work, determination, and resilience everyone showed today." Russell won the Singapore Grand Prix a year ago, edging out Verstappen and current world champion Lando Norris of McLaren.