F1 in Singapore: There’s a new fastest car now
Max Verstappen won Singapore’s rain-delayed sprint after George Russell crashed out on the opening lap, giving Red Bull a first sprint victory at the circuit. The result matters because recent updates may have made Verstappen’s car the quickest on the grid as Formula 1’s 2026 season reaches its final stretch.
The race was the last of this year’s six sprints and the first genuinely wet racing of the season. Standing water delayed the start by 30 minutes, and all drivers began on intermediate tyres; Russell took the lead from pole-sitter Verstappen before sliding onto a slippery white line at the final corner. Verstappen held on for the 20-lap win, but said his focus was on the main Grand Prix, where he expected close competition.
- Verstappen won Singapore’s rain-affected sprint.
- Russell crashed out while leading on lap two.
- Red Bull updates may have produced the fastest car.
New here? Start with this
Max Verstappen is the lead driver for Red Bull Racing, one of the sport's top teams. Formula One sprint races are short competitions held at certain circuits before the main Grand Prix. Red Bull won Singapore's sprint, and the result carries significance because recent car upgrades appear to have improved the team's performance substantially.
In Formula One, finding performance gains late in the season can be crucial, as races count towards the championship and every advantage matters. Singapore is one of the sport's most challenging races, held on a narrow street circuit at night where wet weather conditions, as occurred during the sprint, create serious difficulties. These final rounds of the 2026 season will show whether Red Bull's upgrades provide Verstappen with the edge needed.
Red Bull's rivals, including Mercedes and Ferrari, will be closely studying how the upgraded car performed, particularly in wet weather. Sprint results can give insight into how a car might behave during the main Grand Prix, though different track and weather conditions can alter performance. The upcoming Grand Prix will test how the upgraded Red Bull fares against its main rivals in another challenging race.