Sergio Pérez wins Singapore F1 GP as Max Verstappen forced to wait for title

Sergio Pérez won the Singapore Grand Prix, having taken the lead from the off and completing a fine victory for Red Bull in tricky, wet conditions at Marina Bay. Max Verstappen, however, had his worst race of the season and the world champion could manage only seventh, not enough to close out his defence of the title but the Dutchman remains on course to seal it.

Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz were second and third for Ferrari. Lando Norris and Daniel Ricciardo were fourth and fifth for McLaren, while Lewis Hamilton made an uncharacteristic mistake and was ninth for Mercedes.

In a race marked by a series of driver errors prompting several safety and virtual safety cars, Pérez held it together with aplomb to take the victory, although he is under investigation for a safety car infringement.

In contrast, his teammate Verstappen, who could have claimed the title here, endured a series of calamities in what has been a difficult weekend for the Dutchman. He had a poor start and then dropped places trying too hard to make up a position in the latter stages, making an error that was even more costly.

Hamilton overcooked it and hit the barriers, costing him places; he held his hands up and apologised to his team. Leclerc kept Pérez honest throughout but despite a late charge did not have quite enough to pass him.

Verstappen remains in a strong position to wrap up the championship at the next round in Japan. He leads Leclerc by 104 points and Pérez by 106. He will seal his second title if if he is ahead of both drivers by 112 points after the race at Suzuka.

This was Pérez’s first win at the Singapore GP and the fourth of his career. It continues the form he showed this season on a street circuit with victory in Monaco and is a