The sixteenth stage of the season is full of twists and turns. L'importance of strategy on the Asian citizen it put the teams and drivers to the test. Russell, Safety Car and Singapore walls do not intimidate Sainz who makes a majestic race in management to bring home the red's first victory this season. Red Bull does not reach the top step for the first time this year.
The first fiery laps of Singapore
Both had a blazing start Ferrari on the way. The choice of soft rubber benefited the Monegasque who passed Russell before turn 1. Bad start for the Englishman who allowed himself to be overtaken by Hamilton, then wide at the first corner but without losing third position, a move definitely of dubious regularity. Cautious choice on the part of Red Bull, both cars started on white tyres to try to extend the stint. Please remember that in yesterday's qualifications the RB19s remained out of Q3. L'angry Max ha then avoided the penalty for impeding at the limit of the regulation. Very bad Alpha Tauri, out on the first lap with Tsunoda like in Monza, this time due to a puncture following a contact with Sergio Perez. The seven-time world champion decided to give the position back to Norris after what happened on the first lap.
Ferrari in management, Verstappen on the hunt
Both red riders are in full control. The team asks Leclerc to leave more space between himself and the Madrilenian in order to best cool the SF23 in scorching Singapore. Russell's engineer tells him that they would be sacrificing the Monegasque. Meanwhile Verstappen manages the hard tyre trying to climb back up one step at a time. The two-time champion gained only three positions in the opening laps.
The team again asks Leclerc to place himself three seconds behind Sainz, but the sixteen points out the risk of granting the drs to Russell. The little horse then asks Leclerc to leave five, confirming the the redhead's desire to bring home the first stage of the year. Reasonable decision by the wall given the ease of triggering the cork effect in such a narrow citizen.
The safety car triggers the pit stop dance in Singapore
Around lap twenty, having returned close to the medium tire change window, Piastri was informed of the possibility of rain arriving. Meanwhile Logan Sargeant hits the barriers leaving front wing debris on the track. The race direction calls the Safety Car, and Ferrari goes for the double pit stop: medium tires for both reds. Sainz returns ahead of Verstappen, Leclerc sixth due to a long pit stop following traffic in the pit lane. Meanwhile Alonso makes a mistake entering the pit lane by going long and returning. Five second penalty for the Spaniard.
Sainz starts again very well, with the indication not to go on the run. Hamilton overtakes Leclerc after the Monegasque locked his tyres to avoid hitting Norris. Super overtaking by Russell against Verstappen, clearly in difficulty given the age of the tyre. The same goes for Perez, overtaken by Hamilton the following lap. Norris also overtakes Verstappen. A decidedly difficult phase for the Winged Bull cars.
Sainz threatened by Russell, Verstappen loses positions
Carlos Sainz fights with the clock to keep Russell to more than a second. The Englishman, on the same tire as the race leader, is a serious threat for first position. The two manage the compound as best they can, knowing that the race will be won towards the end. Meanwhile, the Dutchman is forced to give up the position first to Hamilton then to Leclerc. At mid-race Red Bull is sixth and seventh. Yet more bad luck for the Monegasque, forced not to overdo it due to too high an engine temperature.
Here comes the complaint from Max. The sensation of driving for thirty-two laps on hard tires is that of being on ice, according to the number one. Kevin Magnussen defends tenth position tooth and nail on Gasly. The Dane then has a problem that forces him to slow down. Fiery brawl at the rear, with Ocon overtaking Alonso.
The Red Bull pit stop and the final stages
Perez fights to defend himself from Ocon, but can do nothing against Alpine. Alonso also overtook the Mexican, who returned to the pits on lap forty. Verstappen also rode the yellow, returning fifteenth with his teammate in last position. Twenty laps from the checkered flag Sainz, Russell, Norris, Hamilton and Leclerc cover the top 5. Another twist arrives: Ocon parks the car on the track on lap 43 and forces management to trigger the virtual safety car. Mercedes decides to make a double pit stop to mount yellow rubber to the black indicators. They return fourth and fifth, thirteen seconds behind Leclerc. Heart-pounding final in Singapore.
Race to forget for Alonso, which after a very long pit stop ends up long and then returns last. In the meantime, the wall tells Sainz to increase his pace to avoid the Russell threat. Verstappen overtakes Lawson for eighth place.
The last ten heart-pounding laps of the Singapore race
With ten laps to go Russell catches up with Leclerc. Sainz's fate is in the hands of his teammate. The Englishman with the number 63 passes in a few corners, and Hamilton replies. Bottas also retired with a few laps to go. Sainz tries everything to keep Russell away, granting the drs to Norris to earn precious cents. Russell tries on Norris, who defends himself wonderfully from the first overtaking attempt. Sainz was fantastic as he granted the drs to the Englishman again despite the latter having wasted time in defence. Absurd in the last corners: Russell ends up in the wall hitting the side of the track when braking. Sainz wins the race like a champion ahead of Norris and Hamilton.
Leclerc precedes Verstappen. gasly is in front of Piastres, Perez e Lawson. Magnussen closes the top 10. Albon e Zhou I'm in front of Hulkenberg e Sergeant. Alonso he is the last of those who crossed the finish line. Russell, Bottas, Or with e tsunoda retreat. Stroll he did not participate in the grand prix after yesterday's accident.
