Singapore Sprint Shakes Up Championship Standings
The sprint race at Marina Bay reshuffles the top of the F1 leaderboard, setting the stage for the main race and the season’s final battles.
In a thrilling sprint that saw the grid shuffled in a single 12‑lap dash, the 2026 Singapore Grand Prix delivered a fresh set of championship standings. According to Crash.net, the sprint’s results have moved Lewis Hamilton to second place, just 18 points behind the new leader, Max Verstappen. Meanwhile, Charles Leclerc has slipped to third, trailing Verstappen by 32 points, while Lando Norris has climbed to fifth, closing the gap to the top two by 14 points.
The sprint format, introduced last season, offers a condensed race that awards points to the top ten finishers, adding a strategic layer to the weekend. In Singapore, Verstappen secured the sprint win, earning 15 points, while Hamilton’s second‑place finish added 12 points to his tally. Leclerc’s third place gave him 10 points, and Norris’ fourth earned him 8 points. These points have now reshaped the championship picture, with the top four drivers within a 40‑point spread.
For Indian fans, the sprint results mean a tighter battle heading into the main race on Saturday. The points gained in the sprint will be crucial for teams like Mercedes and Ferrari, who are fighting for both drivers’ and constructors’ positions. The sprint also offers a preview of how drivers will tackle the tight Marina Bay street circuit, which is known for its high temperatures and challenging corners.
In India, the main race will be broadcast live on FanCode at 9:30 PM IST. The sprint, which took place on Friday, was streamed on the same platform at 7:00 PM IST. Fans can catch the full weekend action, including the qualifying session and the main race, all in high‑definition streaming. For those who prefer a live TV experience, the race will also be available on Star Sports 4 and Star Sports 5 at 10:00 PM IST.
Source: Crash.net