The Singapore Grand Prix crowned a standout hero who steered a demanding race with poise and precision. Carlos Sainz expertly navigated every curve and condition, turning potential obstacles into opportunities and delivering a finish that had spectators on the edge of their seats. In the end, the victory came from a blend of strategic tire management, flawless execution under pressure, and a car that performed at its peak when it mattered most. The final laps showcased a close battle as Mercedes closed the gap, and the field wrestled with track grip and the lingering impact of a late safety car. Red Bull faced a tougher challenge, while Verstappen achieved a podium for the first time this season, claiming fifth place, with Pérez finishing eighth. The race was not without controversy or injury, as Fernando Alonso faced a difficult weekend, grappling with a track that tested both driver and machine at Marina Bay.
Carlos Sainz’s masterful victory in Singapore
The Asturian pilot began qualifying from seventh, approaching the weekend with measured expectations. His car showed signs of limited rhythm and pace, creating a scenario where a bold approach would be necessary to climb through the field. After a clean start, Sainz advanced to sixth place, trailing behind Kevin Magnussen, and from that point the race took an unexpected turn. The performance envelope tightened as the session progressed, demanding precise decisions and flawless tire strategy to remain competitive.
[Consult the World Championship standings]
“This car cannot be driven” Alonso argued over the radio, confirming the day’s struggles after receiving a five-second penalty for entering the pit lane incorrectly. His frustration reflected Aston Martin’s uneasy performance, a clear signal that the weekend would be about managing adversity as much as chasing speed.
During a second pit stop, the team faced a setback when a wheel jam impeded Alonso’s progress just as he was poised to serve the penalty. The delay extended his stop time dramatically, worsening his race position. What began as a top-ten fight devolved as misfortune compounded: a dramatic incident by Russell on the final lap caused Alonso to drop from fifteenth to sixteenth, underscoring how fragile excellent results can be in this circuit when things go wrong.
Sainz enthusiastic: “Ferrari and all of Italy can be proud”
The driver spoke candidly about the day’s challenges, acknowledging that the pace did not meet initial expectations and that several factors collided in one race. A mis-timed pit entry, a suboptimal stop, and heavy traffic all contributed to a tougher afternoon than planned. The car lacked sufficient rear grip, and tire wear intensified quickly after the pit stop. Sainz emphasized the need for thorough analysis to extract more performance for the next event, while also highlighting the team’s resilience and readiness to learn from the Singapore experience.
[Season calendar]
In the postgraduate press session, the mood around the team reflected a mix of disappointment and determination. The driver admitted that the race would be remembered as a difficult one, with rhythms inconsistent from start to finish. While Japan loomed as a potential turning point, there was a firm belief that the team could rebound. The season’s momentum would hinge on a cleaner execution and a sharper understanding of tire behavior as the championship moved forward.