By: Dear Formula1.it friends, the Singapore GP has also come to an end amid a few naps and plenty of general surprise: there is certainly no shortage of talking points, and our verdicts can wait no longer. Are you ready? Let’s begin!
And who is going to stop him now?
Max Verstappen (10) has no intention of giving up what has always been his (10): another picture-perfect weekend for the Dutchman and Red Bull, who, all things considered, are currently the best on track. A major warning sign for their rivals, especially Mercedes (6), who have officially got their much-anticipated upgrades badly wrong: 2027 is already looking frightening.
Despite this, Antonelli, cautious and lucky (10), rather than admitting he is within touching distance of the world title, is seeing ghosts in his car: relax, Kimi, we get it, it is just reverse psychology!
Opportunities... gone begging?
Turning to the two Prancing Horses, a brilliant Leclerc (8) manages to put at least one Ferrari on the podium, while Hamilton (5) loses focus during the race, dropping from third to sixth. A real shame, given that this time there was the chance of an all-red double podium.
A desperate search is under way for the McLaren pair, who, after Lando Norris' huge mistake at the end of the Sprint and then in the race while fighting Antonelli for the podium, at least managed to finish fourth, followed by the solid Piastri, who once again brings home a few points. The MCL40's collapse is inexplicable, going from hero to zero.
The big comebacks
An honourable mention for Hadjar and Russell (7.5), who climbed from the back into the points: that is no easy feat in Singapore. Applause for Lawson (8), who takes Racing Bulls to 100 points in the constructors' standings, and for Hulkenberg (8), a genuine superhero in a car that remains far too fragile: Bortoleto confirms it from his motorhome (N.C.).
Newcomers and veterans... failed
While Alpine (4) leave empty-handed with both cars and Lindblad (3) faces his first underwhelming weekend, Haas spring back to life in brief but promising flashes, with Ollie Bearman (7) in the points in the Sprint and close to them in the main race: the youngster gave us plenty of fine overtakes, including one on poor Sainz (4), whose Williams is leaking from every possible place.
Doubts are growing at Cadillac, with Bottas (2) better off racing on his bicycle: perhaps then he would be faster than Perez (5). Constant prayers for Alonso and Stroll (N.C.), surely helpless in the face of the sensations that come with riding a rollercoaster: they have been experiencing them in their car for months.
Now all that remains is to let our boys rest, unlike good old Max, who is in action at Portimao, and wait for Austin, where Kimi has a great chance of putting Italy back on top.
Speak very soon, my friends,
Your Rompipaddock.
Cover photo by Peter Kiss / WHYOUT images
