Try, try, try again. For many F1 drivers, it takes years before they’re able to experience victory, whether it’s at their home race, their maiden F1 win, or the moment they become world champion.

But for Max Verstappen, it seemed like he had it all. Four consecutive world championships, multiple home race wins at Zandvoort, and victories at almost every track we’ve seen in recent years. There was one notable exception: the Marina Bay Street Circuit in Singapore.

It was a track Verstappen had tried to conquer many times, but victory had always eluded him. Something would get in the way, leaving Singapore as one of the few missing pieces in his remarkable career. After his victory at Sepang during the Bahrain Grand Prix weekend in Malaysia, fans wondered whether Singapore would finally be the race where he could complete the set.

A victory years in the making

Why is winning in Singapore such a big deal for someone like Max Verstappen? For starters, the Marina Bay Street Circuit has hosted some iconic moments in F1 history. Its inaugural Grand Prix in 2008 left a lasting mark on the sport, with a controversial race that fans continue to discuss to this day. Its tight corners, unforgiving barriers and demanding night conditions make it a unique challenge on the calendar, where even the smallest mistake can cost a driver dearly.

Sergio Pérez, who went on to win the Singapore Grand Prix in 2022, summed up the challenge back in 2017: “Singapore is definitely one of the toughest races in the season. It’s so hot and humid; a real test for the driver.”

Verstappen had been trying to win at Marina Bay since his rookie season in 2015. Over the years, he came close, with front-row starts and podium finishes, but a Singapore Grand Prix victory remained out of reach. Whether it was reliability issues, traffic or circumstances beyond his control, something always seemed to stand between him and the top step of the podium.

Heading into the 2026 Singapore Grand Prix, Verstappen acknowledged that there was still one thing left to settle at Marina Bay: “Singapore is a race that I haven’t won before, so it does feel like unfinished business at this track.”

That was until 2026.

A weekend of firsts

The 2026 Singapore Grand Prix marked the first time the night race hosted a Sprint weekend, giving fans two qualifying sessions and two races to look forward to. There were plenty of unknowns heading into the event. How would the new era of cars perform on this demanding street circuit? Would the Sprint deliver entertaining racing? And who would emerge victorious: Verstappen, championship leader Kimi Antonelli, or someone else entirely?

More than 300,000 fans from around the world flocked to Singapore for the race weekend, which also featured the final Sprint of the season.

The weekend became a global spectacle. With several international conferences taking place at the same time, business leaders and other prominent figures met with personnel in the paddock, while world leaders gathered and watched the cars fly past under the lights. Meanwhile, F1 fans filled the circuit and grandstands, eager to see whether Verstappen could finally claim his first Singapore victory.

And by the end of the weekend, he had done it twice. Verstappen secured pole position for both the Sprint and the Grand Prix, converting both into victories. After years of leaving Singapore without a win, he swept both races in a single weekend, sending the circuit into celebration.

Reflecting on his long-awaited breakthrough, Verstappen said: “It has taken a while. I think this race was very good. […] It worked, so I am very happy to win here.”

The result was also significant for Antonelli. His podium finish in Singapore strengthened his championship position, setting the stage for the title charge that continued in Austin.

A championship within reach

Following the Singapore Grand Prix, Antonelli carried his championship momentum into Austin, where he secured another victory at the United States Grand Prix. The result extended his lead over Mercedes teammate George Russell to 123 points, bringing him within touching distance of the world title.

Antonelli could be crowned Formula 1 World Champion at the Mexico City Grand Prix, needing just two more points to clinch the championship.

If he secures the title, Antonelli would become the youngest Formula 1 World Champion in history.

Mercedes’ prodigy, the boy from Bologna, is on the verge of achieving that feat in only his second season in the sport. Through the pressure and expectations of a championship fight, he has continued to show composure and maturity well beyond his years.

As the season continues, Antonelli is firmly in control of the title race. Russell still has a mathematical chance, but the gap has grown considerably. Meanwhile, Verstappen followed his Singapore double victory with another podium in Austin, continuing his own late-season resurgence.

With the championship approaching its conclusion, every point matters. Antonelli is closer than ever to making history, and the next race could be the one that seals it.

Under the lights in Singapore, one long-awaited victory finally arrived. In Austin, Antonelli took another major step toward history.