As Motorsport.com reports, the Singapore grand prix left us with plenty to digest as the 2026 Formula 1 season enters its crucial phase. Max Verstappen secured a second consecutive win, claiming victory over the bumpy roads of Singapore—a circuit that was previously Red Bull's Achilles heel. McLaren's Oscar Piastri admitted with a wry smile that whatever Red Bull brought to Azerbaijan was "the good stuff," and the results back it up. With an improved RB22 that is both quicker and more predictable, Verstappen has the right tools to be his devastating self again, even if this resurgence has come too late for a 2026 title charge.
Meanwhile, Kimi Antonelli is quietly doing what needs to be done to secure the crown. The 20-year-old Mercedes driver wasn't happy on Friday after finishing seventh in free practice and sprint qualifying, struggling with an updated W17 package. But as the Marina Bay weekend progressed, the championship leader adapted and delivered the points haul that wins titles. Antonelli doesn't need to win every single race; he just maximizes what is possible. It is a stark contrast to how Oscar Piastri let an advantage slip against McLaren team-mate Lando Norris last year, and a maiden crown for the Italian looks to be simply a matter of time.
to finalise its line-up alongside Arvid Lindblad, with Formula 2 frontrunner Nikola Tsolov also a strong contender. But Lawson responded with an assured drive to seventh in Singapore, finishing as
That said, Mercedes has decisions to make. The silver arrows' recent upgrade hasn't fully delivered what was hoped, and Verstappen noted that while Red Bull's update closed the gap in Baku, the expected dominance hasn't materialized in the other direction. With Verstappen carrying serious momentum, Mercedes must figure out how to return to its dominant form, which likely entails putting all focus into 2027.
Down in Maranello, Ferrari is still very much a force in F1 2026 despite the eternal emotional rollercoaster of its fan base. The Scuderia holds a solid second place in the constructors' championship with a considerable margin over its closest rivals. If not for Red Bull's latest upgrade, the team could even have triumphed in Singapore. Progress has clearly been made since last year, even if the red team's supporters will never be entirely satisfied with anything less than total dominance.
Further down the order, Liam Lawson is doing everything in his power to secure a Racing Bulls seat for next season. Team principal Alan Permane noted that the squad is in "no rush" to finalise its line-up alongside Arvid Lindblad, with Formula 2 frontrunner Nikola Tsolov also a strong contender. But Lawson responded with an assured drive to seventh in Singapore, finishing as "best of the rest." It marked his eighth top-seven finish in 16 grands prix this season, bringing his tally to 75 points and leaving him ninth in the drivers' standings. With Racing Bulls expecting to make a decision in the coming weeks, Lawson is giving them every reason to keep him right where he is.
