George Storms Singapore: The Wrap Up of a Heated weekend at the Marina Bay Circuit.
Updated: May 2
George Russel shows his competence in the Mercedes car this weekend, providing an amazing flying lap getting him onto pole, and delivering a stunning performance under the hot Singapore moonlight. This comes during a time where his future at Mercedes is not yet sealed by a contract, but as a racer who is performing week in and week out securing consistent podiums, is this enough to secure his seat for the 2026 season?
Singapore’s Marina Bay Circuit is known for the difficulty in not only the track but also the extreme heat it brings (reminder to the 2023 Singapore Grand Prix and the iconic incredibly sweaty post race interviews). This weekend was no different: temperatures over the weekend reached a peak 29C, with track temperatures reaching 32C.
A “Heat Hazard” was issued due to the extreme temperatures, implementing a recommended cooling vest that drivers can wear, a response to the 2023 Qatar Grand prix, where Estaban Ocon reportedly vomited in his Helmet. While drivers such as Max Verstappen chose not to wear the vest, many much like Charles Leclerc chose to wear them. However, some did find the systems not to work to their full capacity, Piastri complaining on the radio about it. While underdeveloped, it does provide an extra level of comfort for the drivers, if they should need it, and it can be developed better given more testing and time.
Saturday sparked controversy during qualifying between Max Verstappen and Lando Norris. After George Russel took pole, Verstappen argued that Norris impeded his lap, facing the turbulent “dirty” air of the car that was slowly returning to the pitlane. In response, Norris replied that “They always complain. They complain about everything. That’s Red Bull.” This is yet another qualifying that both McLaren’s failed to reach pole, both drivers finishing 3rd and 5th. The top ten is wrapped up by mid-team sitters Ferrari, Kimi Antonelli, Iscack Hadjar and Ollie Bearman, the three wonder rookies this season, alongside veteran Fernando Alonso. With temperatures set to reach extreme highs, things were heating up for Sunday’s race.
However, after qualifying, Williams faced disqualification after failing the FIA regulated tests on their DRS slot gaps, both cars reportedly exceeded the maximum allowed limit of 85 mm on each side of the rear wing, despite their own checks passing. This meant that both drivers would have to start at the back of the grid, but Alex Albon was set to start in the pitlane due to a suspension change, and Carlos Sainz in P20.
On race day, George Russel dominated the Marina Bay Circuit, under no pressure from the four-time world Champion behind him, who reported to be struggling with the car left right and centre; his performance in yesterday’s race was not where he wanted to be. Norris was hot on his tail the entire race as the Red Bull struggled with speed and grip, however Verstappen held back Norris right to the wire, both drivers finishing on the podium separated by just 0.4 seconds.
Ferrari faced their own battles, Hamilton suffering a brake failure in lap fifty-nine. With just three laps to go, Alonso closed the gap on Hamilton from forty-five seconds to just 0.4 seconds, however, post-race Hamilton received a five second penalty due to the unsafe driving performed leading to him exceeding track limits multiple times during the race. Fernando Alonso had some choice words for his former teammate,
“I cannot f****** believe it. I mean, I cannot f****** believe it. I cannot f****** believe it. Is it safe to drive with no brakes? For me, you cannot drive when the car is unsafe. Sometimes they try to disqualify me with no mirror, and now you have no brakes and everything is fine? I doubt it.”
Kimi Antonelli held the Ferraris at bay on Sunday, holding down P5 for Mercedes, also in the same position as George Russel, looking for a multi-year contract, or at the very least, a contract extension. Both Mercedes drivers continuously seek to prove themselves for the team, and with these results, could the pair see their futures secured at the team?
From back of the grid to the points, Carlos Sainz pulls Williams into P10 after their terrible Saturday outcome. Alex Albon also gained track positions, proving the competency of both the Williams Car and their drivers, bringing the team into a competitive light. With Isack Hadjar breathing down Carlos Sainz’s neck, he held his position and kept the hungry Racing Bulls driver at bay, highlighting his experience over the driver.
McLaren took the Constructors’ Championship for the 2025 season despite still having six races left in the calendar. This, in addition to the squabbles of the McLaren drivers outshone Russel’s win, arguably something so trivial should not have the ability to direct such change in interests from the race to driver passive aggressiveness.
The questions left to ask are: Will Russel get that contract, after repeated podiums and results for the team? Will Antonelli have his seat confirmed as well for next season? Was the McLaren feud the most important takeaway from today’s race? With the Championship battle intensifying, we direct our attention to the United States Grand Prix in Austin, Texas, commencing in two weeks time.
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