Sports · Motorsport · 7 hrs ago
Red Bull’s resurgence and Antonelli’s consistency shape Singapore GP takeaways
The Singapore Grand Prix offered a look at how the 2026 Formula 1 season is changing.
Red Bull’s upgrade, introduced in Azerbaijan, has made its car faster and more predictable, and Max Verstappen has won the two races since then.
The team’s improvement has come too late for Verstappen to challenge for this year’s title, but it suggests Red Bull is again a strong force.
Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli struggled early in the Singapore weekend with the team’s updated car, then improved and scored a strong haul of points.
As championship leader, he does not need to win every race if he keeps making the most of each one.
Mercedes still has to decide how to respond to an upgrade that has not met expectations, with a possible focus on preparing for 2027.
Ferrari remains second in the constructors’ championship, well ahead of its nearest rivals, although Mercedes is further ahead and Ferrari has not been winning consistently.
Red Bull’s improved RB22 has made the team faster and more predictable, and it performed strongly at the Singapore Grand Prix.
The team’s resurgence followed wins in Bahrain and Baku, according to Motorsport.com.
Kimi Antonelli improved over the Singapore weekend and scored the points needed to strengthen his title campaign.
Mercedes’ upgrade has not fully met expectations, leaving the team with decisions about its future focus.
Ferrari remains second in the constructors’ championship, despite being well behind Mercedes.
- Who
- Red Bull, Mercedes’ Kimi Antonelli and Ferrari were among the teams and driver highlighted.
- What
- The takeaways focused on Red Bull’s resurgence, Antonelli’s consistent points haul and concerns about Mercedes’ upgrade.
- When
- The Singapore Grand Prix weekend in 2026. The event date is not stated.
- Where
- Singapore, including the Marina Bay circuit.
- Why
- Red Bull’s upgraded car performed strongly, while Antonelli improved as the weekend progressed and Mercedes’ update fell short of expectations.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Whatever Red Bull's upgrade in Azerbaijan was, it was good stuff
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Red Bull’s upgrade brought it closer to Mercedes, and Verstappen challenged George Russell for the win.
Red Bull dominated the Bahrain GP in Malaysia on the abrasive Sepang circuit.
Red Bull performed strongly on the circuit that had previously been an Achilles heel for the team.
Antonelli finished seventh in both free practice and sprint qualifying.
Antonelli adapted to the upgraded Mercedes and delivered a strong points haul.
- Red Bull car
- The improved RB22 was described as quicker and more predictable to drive.
- Red Bull run
- The team won in Baku and Bahrain before performing strongly in Singapore.
- Antonelli
- The 20-year-old finished seventh in both free practice and sprint qualifying on Friday evening.
- Ferrari
- The team held second place in the constructors’ championship.
- Mercedes upgrade
- The updated W17 had not fully delivered what Mercedes had hoped.
Sources
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