The 2026 Singapore Grand Prix was no classic, but it provided yet more evidence that a revitalised Red Bull and Max Verstappen are operating at the peak of their Formula 1 powers. Meanwhile, Ferrari once again proved prone to strategic shortcomings, this time leaving Lewis Hamilton to salvage a disappointing sixth-place finish under the Marina Bay lights.
When a team has two cars close together near the front and splits strategies to try to pincer the polesitter, there is always an inherent risk of one car coming off worse. The painful reality for the Maranello squad is that the race still should have yielded second and third places on the podium, rather than a runner-up spot and a distant sixth after being overtaken repeatedly while struggling with dreadful race pace.
The early-race strategy split was still on course to deliver a double podium, provided there was smooth handling of tactics around the late virtual safety car period to cement the positions. Team principal Fred Vasseur insisted it was crystal clear on the radio that Hamilton was supposed to pit when his teammate did, but a post-race radio apology from the veteran driver suggested he snubbed that call and triggered his own downfall.
This outcome stings all the more considering how strong his speed looked through Q1 and Q2, where pole position seemed within reach to control proceedings from the front. Instead, the actual race winner never looked in doubt once he successfully covered off the opening-lap attack into the first corner.
These back-to-back victories arrive far too late for a title-fight comeback, but such supreme form across the triple-header puts the championship contenders in an enviable position for the remaining rounds and heading into next season. Rivals have already admitted that the Milton Keynes outfit is firmly back to being the benchmark team in the paddock.
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