Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz wins 2023 Singapore Grand Prix ending Max Verstappen’s 10-win streak. How did it go down?

On Sunday, the Ferrari driver was simply marvelous as he recorded an exceptional victory at the Singapore Grand Prix. The win is the first for the Italian team in more than a year and an important step up the points ladder.

Carlos Sainz wins the Signapore Grand Prix

The word ‘clinic’ comes to mind when describing the way in which Carlos Sainz managed his tires during what became his win from the pole in the Singapore Grand Prix on Sunday. To be clear, Sainz’s tires were 24 laps older than those used by Mercedes pair, George Russell and Lewis Hamilton. Fortunately, McLaren’s Lando Norris who was in second proved to be a tough nut to crack for the aforementioned two who had caught them through the final five laps.

Indeed, it was the obstacle provided by Norris that allowed Sainz the luxury to manage his tires and in turn end Red Bull’s Max Verstappen’s 10-win streak. It was also the first time in 15 races that Red Bull had not won. Top 5 was of course rounded out by Norris in second, followed by Hamilton who took third after Russell crashed on the final lap. Ferrari teammate Charles Leclerc finished in fourth just of Verstappen who took fifth.

The Singapore Grand Prix: How it went down

It’s worth noting that Verstappen started Sunday’s race in 11th following his elimination in the second round of qualifying. Add to that a distinct lack of pace on the streets of Singapore and it was always going to be difficult for Red Bull. Even teammate Sergio Perez struggled with both drivers starting on hard compound tires. Unfortunately, 20 laps in, debris from Logan Sargeant’s ruined any strategic tire plans. To put the loss in perspective, Verstappen has won 12 of the first 14 races so far this season and has won every Grand Prix since that which was in Miami back on May 7th. As for Red Bull, the team has not lost since the end of the 2022 season.

Ferrari on the other hand, has reason to celebrate. Yes, there is much work to be done, but Sainz’s victory is the team’s first since Leclerc won last summer in Austria, a win that came just a week after Sainz got his first career win at the British Grand Prix. As for Sunday, the Spaniard led from the very first lap and was worth his win throughout. From his aforementioned masterclass in tire management to his excellent reading of Singapore’s troublesome street course, it was something to behold. Up next is the Japanese Grand Prix on Sunday, September 24th. With that, here’s a look at the full race results from the Singapore Grand Prix:

2023 Singapore Grand Prix: Full Results