Carlos Sainz marches in with perfect Singapore drive to end Red Bull streak

SINGAPORE: Carlos Sainz said Ferrari “didn’t put a foot wrong” as the Spanish driver drove a perfect race to win a thrilling Singapore Grand Prix on Sunday and end Red Bull’s hopes of sweeping every race in 2023.
But an emotional George Russell was close to tears after crashing his Mercedes on the final lap after attempting a late victory charge on fresher tires.
Lando Norris was second after a brilliant defensive drive to hold off the Mercedes pair as Lewis Hamilton crossed the line in third after teammate Russell’s lapse.
Championship leader Max Verstappen, who had won the last 10 races, was only fifth as Red Bull failed to take the chequered flag for the first time this season after a weekend where they were consistently off the pace.
His teammate Sergio Perez crossed the line eighth.
Sainz controlled the night race around the city-center street circuit brilliantly from pole position to take only his second career win, the first coming at the British Grand Prix last year.
“An incredible feeling. We didn’t put a foot wrong all weekend,” said Sainz.
“We nailed the race.

We had one opportunity to win a race this year and we did it perfect,” added the Spaniard.
Sainz seemed set for a comfortable win until a virtual safety car 20 laps from the end gave the two Mercedes the chance to change to fresh medium-compound tires.
Russell and Hamilton came out flying and soon reeled in and passed the second Ferrari of Charles Leclerc, who finished fourth.
But when they got on the heels of the top two they could not get past as Sainz cleverly backed up to keep his former teammate Norris within DRS (drag reduction system) range so the Englishman could defend second place.
“It was just quite tight at the end. We gave Lando a bit of a