Max Verstappen wins chaotic Singapore Sprint and takes Grand Prix pole

Singapore's Marina Bay Street Circuit hosted a Sprint round for the first time this weekend. Autocar India described the extra race as an addition to an already physically demanding Grand Prix.

Verstappen arrived with renewed momentum. According to nu.nl, the Red Bull driver had won his first Grand Prix of the season in Malaysia the previous weekend. Mercedes had a separate concern: Panorama reported that George Russell would start the Grand Prix from the back because of an engine-change penalty.

On October 9, Verstappen beat Russell to Sprint pole by 0.12 seconds, according to NDTV Profit. Mercedes' Kimi Antonelli qualified seventh, while the outlet also reported fresh concerns about FIA engine settings.

That qualifying session brought scrutiny for Verstappen. Sky Sports reported that he was under investigation for passing Lewis Hamilton under yellow flags. The supplied coverage does not state the investigation's outcome, but Express & Star later reported that he won the Sprint from pole.

On October 10, rain delayed the Sprint's start, according to Panorama. The wet race then produced nine retirements, with Russell among those who failed to finish, DER SPIEGEL reported. The42 identified Russell's exit as a crash.

Verstappen won ahead of Ferrari drivers Hamilton and Charles Leclerc. Championship leader Antonelli finished fourth, according to ANSA. Al Jazeera reported that this was Verstappen's first race victory of any kind in Singapore.

Later on October 10, Verstappen took pole for the Grand Prix ahead of Leclerc and Hamilton, BBC Sport reported. It was his 50th career pole, according to Franceinfo, completing a Saturday that left him at the front for both races.

Verstappen has the Sprint victory secured and the best starting position for Sunday's main race. Ferrari occupies the next two grid positions, with Leclerc ahead of Hamilton; Antonelli qualified fourth, according to Fanpage.

Antonelli also leaves the Sprint with a larger championship advantage over Russell, Panorama reported. Russell's retirement and engine-change penalty leave him facing a difficult main race, although the supplied coverage gives no updated championship points totals.

Sunday's Grand Prix gives Verstappen a chance to turn his first Singapore Sprint win into his first full Grand Prix victory there. nu.nl reported that he was concerned about the start potentially undoing his strong position.

Leclerc and Hamilton will start directly behind him. Russell's progress from the back, following the engine-change penalty reported by Panorama, will also matter as Antonelli seeks to protect his enlarged championship lead.