2022 GP Singapore

Chaos at Marina Bay as Sergio Perez wins the Singapore Grand Prix!

The return of Singapore Grand Prix, arguably one of the most gruelling tracks of the season for drivers physically. With humid conditions and frequent tropical downpours, even the most seasoned drivers face a test of their will and endurance.

So it was no surprise that Sunday’s event began with a delayed start as torrential rain fell under the bright lights of Marina Bay. Once the weather had begun to dissipate, it was clear the slick conditions were to be challenging, leading all drivers to start on the grid with intermediate tires.

It was Sergio Perez, who took the early lead against pole-sitter, Charles Leclerc going into Turn 1. And with 26 minutes remaining, Perez showcased his near flawless defence, holding off Leclerc while experiencing engine issues. Perez efficiently maintained his tire degradation while strengthening his lead, crossing the chequered flag as the race winner. Although post-race, the Red Bull driver was handed a five-second penalty for staying too far behind the Safety Car, his lead of over 7 seconds solidified his P1 result.

"I pushed – I gave everything for the win today.” exclaimed Perez

Although falling out of position, Leclerc still applied pressure to the heels of Perez, more notably once DRS was enabled on the 43rd Lap. However, it was not enough to retake the lead as Perez held the Monegasque driver at bay settling for P2.

Beginning in P4, Carlos Sainz made an opportunistic move as Hamilton ran wide on Turn 1. Preserving his position, he was able to finish P3 with a double podium for Ferrari.

With their best result of the season and a painful blow to Alpine, Mclaren saw both drivers finishing in the top five. With Norris displaying a consistent drive earning P4 and Ricciardo securing P5 his personal best of the year.

Finishing P6 was Aston Martin’s Lance Stroll, a solid result that contributed to a successful weekend overall for the team.

It was a weekend plagued with problems for Verstappen. Beginning on Saturday, as he failed to complete his final qualifying lap due to the teams concerns that the fuel sample requirements may not be met, to later slipping back five places at the start of the race. However, a tight battle during the final laps with fellow World Champions, Vettel and Hamilton provided a silver lining for the Red Bull driver as he seized P7.

Taking P8 was Sebastien Vettel, a driver who holds a wealth of history at Marina Bay, as the only driver to achieve five title wins on the track.

Hamilton saw his fair share of struggles on Sunday. A late braking mistake that sent him into the barriers on Lap 33 and a lock up in a final attempt to recover positions. The seven-time world champion had to settle for a P9 finish.

Rounding out the top 10 was AlphaTauri’s, Pierre Gasly. Taking the final point that was given.

Switching to softs on Lap 34, Bottas was hopeful to increase his chances of breaking into the points. However it was not enough finishing just outside with P11.

After pitting on Lap 1 due to a collision with Verstappen, Magnussen finished in P12.

Fellow Haas teammate, Mick Schumacher followed behind with P13 after a scrappy session earlier with George Russell that resulted in a punctured tire.

As for Russell, it was the first time he saw himself qualify outside of the top ten this season. Taking the risk, he was the first driver to pull the trigger swapping this intermediate tires for mediums. Although earning fastest lap of the race, the early decision cost him valuable time and a P14 result.

There were six drivers who were forced to retire.

Shortly after switching to slick tires, Yuki Tsunoda lost control colliding with the barriers.

A painful weekend for Alpine who saw both drivers, Esteban Ocon and Fernando Alonso retiring as a result of engine failures.

Returning from appendicitis surgery, Williams driver, Alex Albon made contact with the wall on Lap 26 and was unable to continue.

In a battle for P18 during Lap 8, Nicholas Latifi squeezed Alfa Romeo’s, Zhou resulting in a collision that forced both drivers to retire.

Up next is the return of the Japanese Grand Prix! With five races remaining and a title on the cusp of being crowned, will Suzuka be where the championship is solidified?

By Samantha Horvath