Max Verstappen has to wait at least a week for his second Formula 1 world title. The Dutchman only finished seventh at the Singapore Grand Prix due to a serious driving error. Verstappen’s Red Bull teammate Sergio Perez (Mexico) secured victory in a race marked by five safety car phases ahead of the two Ferrari drivers Charles Leclerc (Monaco) and Carlos Sainz (Spain).
Verstappen gets the second chance to decide the world championship next Sunday at the Japanese Grand Prix in Suzuka – under his own steam with a win and the fastest race lap. In the World Championship, the Red Bull driver is still comfortably ahead of Leclerc (237) and Perez (235) with 341 points and five remaining races. It was Perez’s fourth Grand Prix win and second of the season.
Former world champion Sebastian Vettel (Heppenheim), with five successes still the record winner in Singapore, took eighth place at his farewell performance in the economic metropolis. Mick Schumacher im Haas was 13th without any points.
The two-time champion Fernando Alonso (Spain), who became the sole Formula 1 record holder with his 350th Grand Prix start, retired early due to engine failure.
