SAINZ WINS IN SINGAPORE AFTER DRAMATIC FINAL BATTLE
Formula Once came to Singapore - a track well known for damaging the pace of the Red Bull's and being a great track for Ferrari and that showed in this race. Sainz leading every lap in this very tricky race with former McLaren teammate Lando Norris equalling his best result in second and Hamilton in third but only after his teammate - George Russell put it in the wall on the penultimate lap.
It was pole man Carlos Sainz who lead into turn one with Charles Leclerc who managed to take second place from George Russell with Lewis Hamilton now down to third place.
Yuki Tsunoda has yet another poor weekend only making it two laps into this race having troubles and is out of the race. Another DNF for the Japanese driver but at least he started the race unlike in Italy.
19 laps in the Williams of Logan Sargeant hits the wall but is able to carry on with his front wing under his car. Under braking he’s gone into the barriers. He pits and carries on, its amazing there wasn't more damage to the floor of his car. The slow running Williams causes a full Safety Car on the following lap (Lap 20) with Ferrari double stacking as do Mercedes. Sainz keeps the lead and Max Verstappen having not pitted is in second with Russell in third.
Three laps later and the drivers are shown the green flag. Sainz leads from Verstappen and Russell in third with Sergio Perez in fourth and Lando Norris in fifth. At the end of the lap Russell manages quite easily to pass the Red Bull of Verstappen for second.
And a lap later it gets worse for Max as he is passed by the McLaren of Norris for third place.
After not pitting during the Safety Car period it's only on Lap 40 when the first Red Bull finally pits and its Perez who comes in from ninth and rejoins 18th and last. The very next lap Verstappen pits and he rejoins in 15th.
The second DNF in this race came in the form of Esteban Ocon who loses drive and pulls over at the exit of the pit lane. The Virtual Safety Car (VSC) is deployed on Lap 43
Two laps later Mercedes double stack again in a strategy masterclass having saved an extra pair of medium tyres. Alonso comes in but its over 20seconds including his penalty as at least two wheels don’t go on properly in the first place. On Lap 46 the green flag is out.
The pace of the Mercedes was clear when Russell passed Leclerc for third. On Lap 53, Hamilton follows his teammate later on in the lap.
On Lap 54 the third DNF came when Valtteri Bottas retired. Hydraulics issue for the Alfa Romeo.
And in penultimate lap drama with his tyres falling off due to the dirty air of the McLaren in front of him and the pushing of trying to pass the car in front - Russell in what could have been a podium for himself clips the wall and ends up in the wall - a devastating moment for Russell.
Also a well done to Liam Lawson who picks up his first points in F1 and becomes the first driver to score their maiden points in Singapore.
The next race is the Japanese Grand Prix.
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