Russell Triumphs as McLaren Seals the Constructors’ Championship in Singapore Showdown
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Under the dazzling lights of Singapore’s Marina Bay circuit, George Russell turned precision into perfection.
The Mercedes driver led every lap of the 2025 Singapore Grand Prix, claiming his second win of the season and reaffirming Mercedes’ resurgence after a rocky start to the year.
Behind him, Max Verstappen managed second place for Red Bull, while McLaren sealed their first Constructors’ Championship of the hybrid era with a pair of top-five finishes — though not without intra-team tension between Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri.
McLaren Clinches the Constructors’ Title — But Not Without Drama
McLaren’s dominance in 2025 became mathematically unassailable in Singapore, earning them the Constructors’ crown with six rounds still to go.
But the celebrations were tempered by yet another clash of orange.
At Turn 1, Lando Norris launched a daring move that saw him squeeze past both Ferraris and teammate Oscar Piastri, who had to lift to avoid contact. The light touch between the two McLarens drew a frustrated radio response from Piastri, who questioned the move’s fairness under the team’s “Papaya Rules” for intra-team racing.
McLaren ultimately decided not to swap positions back, breaking from previous precedent — a decision that could carry implications as the title fight between their two drivers heats up.
Ferrari’s Brake Woes Continue
For Ferrari, Singapore proved another race of unfulfilled potential.
Both Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc suffered from recurring brake issues, forcing the team into damage-limitation mode. Hamilton’s system failed in the closing laps, and though he managed to limp across the line, a five-second penalty for track limits dropped him to eighth.
Leclerc finished just ahead in seventh, frustrated by the car’s temperature sensitivity and lack of late-race pace. The Scuderia’s hopes for second in the Constructors’ standings will rely on improved reliability in the final six rounds.
Sainz’s Comeback Salvages a Point for Williams
After both Williams cars were disqualified from qualifying due to excessive DRS flap gaps — measured at 86mm and 85.8mm, over the FIA’s 84mm maximum regulation — Carlos Sainz started from the pit lane and carved through the field to finish tenth.
It was a composed drive from the Spaniard, who made the most of a clean race to bring home a single but valuable point for the team’s ongoing battle in the midfield.
Championship Standings
Drivers’ Championship (After Round 18):
- Oscar Piastri — 336 pts
- Lando Norris — 314 pts
- Max Verstappen — 273 pts
- George Russell — 237 pts
- Charles Leclerc — 173 pts
Constructors’ Championship:
- McLaren — 650 pts 🏆
- Mercedes — 325 pts
- Ferrari — 298 pts
- Red Bull — 290 pts
- Williams — 102 pts
The Battle for Second
With McLaren’s title wrapped up, attention now turns to a tense three-way fight for second in the Constructors’ standings between Mercedes, Ferrari, and Red Bull — separated by just 35 points heading into Austin.
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Mercedes (325 pts):
George Russell’s win and rookie Kimi Antonelli’s continued development have made Mercedes the favorites to claim P2. Antonelli, who endured a difficult European leg of the season, has rebounded impressively — delivering back-to-back composed performances in Baku and Singapore. His ability to extract consistent pace and avoid mistakes is earning widespread respect in the paddock, and his partnership with Russell looks increasingly solid for the team’s future. -
Ferrari (298 pts):
Reliability continues to be Ferrari’s Achilles’ heel. The pace is there, but recurring mechanical issues — most recently Hamilton’s braking failure — are costing valuable points. If they can keep the car reliable, both drivers have the speed to mount a strong recovery. -
Red Bull (290 pts):
Verstappen remains a model of consistency, but Yuki Tsunoda endured a tough weekend in Singapore — calling it his “worst start ever” after dropping from 13th to 17th on the opening lap. Despite the setback, Tsunoda recovered to finish 12th, showing strong mid-race pace and determination.
After earning his best result with the senior squad earlier this year in Baku, Tsunoda is looking to regain form in the final stretch as he fights to secure his seat on the grid for 2026. Red Bull’s points deficit to Ferrari remains small, and Tsunoda’s consistency could prove crucial in the coming rounds.
With six races remaining, the battle for second is far from over — and with both Antonelli and Tsunoda emerging as pivotal supporting players to their veteran teammates, the next generation is starting to make its mark.
Final Thoughts
The 2025 Singapore Grand Prix was a masterclass in composure and control — a race that showcased George Russell’s precision, McLaren’s dominance, and the evolving balance of power behind them.
Mercedes continues to rise on the back of youth and experience, Ferrari fights reliability gremlins, and Red Bull’s driver duo are finding new ways to stay in the hunt.
As Formula 1 heads to Austin, Texas, the championship may be decided, but the narrative is anything but. The battles behind McLaren — and the futures being built by Antonelli and Tsunoda — promise an exciting run to the season finale.