Verstappen, Hamilton criticize Singapore sprint format

Max Verstappen won the Formula 1 sprint at Singapore's Marina Bay Street Circuit on October 10, 2026, from pole, with Lewis Hamilton second and Charles Leclerc third. The 20-lap race had little overtaking, a record nine retirements, and six laps behind a safety car after rain delayed the start. George Russell took the lead at the start but spun into the wall on the final turn of lap one. Two McLaren cars collided on the last lap while fighting for the final podium spot. Verstappen told reporters he thinks F1 should not host a sprint where drivers cannot pass, saying overtake mode barely does anything there and a longer straight or proper hairpin is needed. Hamilton said he loves the race but told Verstappen the track needs a longer straight to be a great racing circuit, adding that rain made it exciting and a dry race would have been the most boring to watch. Leclerc said sprints on city tracks in general, including Singapore or Monaco, do not make sense and add nothing to the weekend. Singapore's event was the season's sixth and final sprint and is not on next year's 10-event sprint calendar, which includes Monaco. The sprint winner receives eight points.