It's lights out and away we go in Singapore... and finally, Formula One fans were finally treated to a thriller.
Carlos Sainz and Ferrari shock Red Bull's dominance in Singapore! Finally, the curtain falls on Red Bull's relentless winning streak, and somehow, Max Verstappen was nowhere to be seen. Ferrari, McLaren, Mercedes, wheel to wheel until the chequered flag. This is what we dream for. Ultimately, Carlos Sainz clinches a nail-biting finish, and Max Verstappen's streak concludes. After claiming the record for his own last weekend, one wondered how long it would extend. For the Spaniard, it is a second win in his career, and a deserved celebration for his fiery streak of late.
Since Red Bull won in Bahrain, the fight at the front of the grid has lacked intensity to say the least. This Sunday however, a second separated the top three, as Sainz won from pole ahead of Lando Norris and Lewis Hamilton in a dramatic climax to an intriguing race. With extraordinary skill and tactical intelligence, Sainz kept Norris just within DRS range, masterfully executing a strategy so finely balanced that when Sainz emerged victorious, he was undoubtedly a worthy winner.
McLaren look competitive across every track, Mercedes look revitalized and with Ferrari capturing last season's early form, a battle at the pinnacle of Formula One may have finally crystalized. While last year, it was the Monegasque Charles Leclerc who emerged as Verstappen's fiercest contender on multiple occasions, right now, Carlos Sainz, and maybe Lando Norris looks to have grabbed that mantle.
It was heartbreak for George Russell, whose fantastic weekend was ruined by a millisecond lapse in concentration. His teammate, Lewis Hamilton, claimed the last podium place, exuding pace and confidence as he hunted down the top three. It was unfamiliar territory for Verstappen to languish in, finishing between Charles Leclerc and the Alpine of Pierre Gasly, as Red Bull struggled tirelessly at Marina Bay.
With Daniel Ricciardo injured, Liam Lawson has snapped up this opportunity with both hands, doing superbly to score his first points in Formula One, making a stand for a permanent seat for Scuderia Alpha Tauri. Oscar Piastri, Sergio Perez and Kevin Magnussen rounded off the points. The top 10 was fraught with tension and excitement, and there is hope it remains this way.
Nevertheless, for all the drama this weekend, if Max Verstappen wins by half a minute in Suzuka, it will be far from surprising.
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