Max Verstappen wins Singapore Grand Prix for the first time after saying it took a while

In nine previous attempts, Max Verstappen had never won the Singapore GP or even taken pole position.

Now the Dutchman has ticked off both achievements - and, as an extra bonus this weekend, also won Saturday's sprint.

It took a while, but I think it was a good race, Verstappen said in his victory interview.

After a slow start to this year's F1 season, Verstappen now has two straight wins and has passed Charles Leclerc in the overall standings to move into fourth place. He is just eight points behind third-placed Lewis Hamilton.

Hopefully we can have a fun end to the season, Verstappen said.

Charles Leclerc came second, while world championship leader Kimi Antonelli finished third. The 20-year-old Italian extended his lead in the overall standings to 102 points over Briton George Russell, who was penalised before the race and had to start well down the grid, but worked his way up to ninth place.

Antonelli can secure the world championship title in Austin, USA, in two weeks.

However, that was something he himself had no control over.

"Can I?" he said in surprise, according to the BBC, when he heard the news.