Max Verstappen may have taken the chequered flag under the lights at Marina Bay, but the bigger story from the Singapore Grand Prix was what it did to the championship. Kimi Antonelli left Singapore with 340 points, a commanding 102 points ahead of his Mercedes teammate George Russell.
With six rounds remaining and 150 points still available, the young Italian is now firmly in control of his pursuit of a maiden world title.
Mercedes dominance continues
The new regulations of 2026 were always expected to shake up the order, and Mercedes have been the team to master them. The Silver Arrows lead the Constructors’ Championship on 578 points with eleven race wins, 134 points clear of Ferrari in second.
That gap reflects a season of remarkable consistency from both Mercedes drivers. Russell has been Antonelli’s closest challenger all year, but the intra-team fight has tilted heavily towards the Italian as the season has entered its decisive phase.
Championship snapshot after Singapore
- Drivers’ leader: Kimi Antonelli, 340 points
- Gap to second (George Russell): 102 points
- Constructors’ leader: Mercedes, 578 points, 11 wins
- Rounds remaining: 6
- Next race: United States Grand Prix, Circuit of the Americas, Sunday 25 October
Verstappen’s reminder
For Verstappen, the Singapore win was a reminder that he remains one of the most dangerous drivers on the grid whenever his car gives him a chance. Marina Bay is a circuit that rewards precision and patience over raw straight-line speed, and the Dutchman delivered both. Whether he can repeat the trick on faster layouts in the closing rounds will tell us a lot about where the competitive order truly stands.
What happens next
The circus now heads to Austin for the United States Grand Prix on Sunday, 25 October. For Russell, the equation is stark: he needs a run of results to go his way and some misfortune for his teammate. For Antonelli, every solid finish takes him closer to history.
Kenyan fans following the title race should note that races in the Americas run late in East Africa, so the Austin Grand Prix will finish after dark on Sunday evening Nairobi time.
