Max Verstappen kept waiting for title as Sergio Perez triumphs in Singapore

Max Verstappen’s wait for a second world championship goes on after he spun and finished seventh as Sergio Perez won Sunday’s chaotic rain-hit Singapore Grand Prix.

Red Bull’s Perez took the chequered flag ahead of Charles Leclerc with his Ferrari teammate Carlos Sainz completing the podium.

Lewis Hamilton started third but finished a disappointing ninth after he hit the wall.

Verstappen heads to next weekend’s Japanese Grand Prix with a 104-point championship lead. He needs to leave Suzuka 112 points clear to take the title and the Dutchman will be crowned champion in Japan if he wins and sets the fastest lap.

Perez’s triumph was subject to an investigation after the race following an alleged infringement behind the safety car. The Mexican took the chequered flag 7.5 seconds ahead of Leclerc.

“It was my best performance,” said Perez after the fourth win of his career. “I controlled the race.

“The last few laps were so intense. When I got out of the car I felt it. I gave everything for the win today.”

Red Bull boss Christian Horner added: “Without a shadow of a doubt the best drive of his career. Tricky conditions, he converted the start, he got himself settled into the race, he looked after the intermediate tyres. He was always in control, super cool.

“That’s world class, it’s right up there, for sure his best victory. He’s gone out, he’s delivered and I'm just super proud of him.”

The start of the race under the thousands of bulbs that light up the Marina Bay Circuit was delayed by an hour and five minutes following a huge downpour.

Perez made no mistake when the signal turned to green by beating Leclerc to the opening chicane in the damp conditions.

“Yeah I pushed all the way, the bad start set us on the back foot and