Plus: Updates from F2 and F3, and everyone finishes!
No more GTs for Verstappen in the near future, Lia Block claims her maiden F1 Academy win, and everyone’s a finisher yet again. Autoweek rounds up some of the other talking points from the Singapore Grand Prix.
Verstappen rules out further GT3 races in 2025
Max Verstappen has ruled out further appearances at the Nürburgring in GT3 machinery this year, in the wake of his successful debut last month. Verstappen co-piloted a Ferrari 296 GT3 during the break between grands prix in Azerbaijan and Singapore, and impressed with his performance, taking the win alongside Chris Lulham. But Verstappen has ruled out further appearances in 2025 and, while he remains keen to enter GT3 competition, is wary of impending complications in 2026 due to Formula 1’s new rules.
“It depends on F1, first of all,” said Verstappen, when an entry into next May’s Nürburgring 24 Hours was mooted. “I’m suspecting of course that with the rules next year, it’s going to be very complicated to start with, and some unknowns anyway, right? So it will probably be a little bit more hectic than the end of a regulation where things are more straightforward.
“Plus also the program of the GT3 team, which car we’re going to race next year, stuff like that. A lot of things have to come together before I can really plan it well in advance for just my drivers already in the team, plus myself. For sure, we want to be back there. I just don’t know at the moment myself how much or how many races I can do next year. But if there is an opportunity and I feel good about it, plus whatever is happening in F1, then for sure.”
Wolff praises ‘incredible’ Antonelli pass
Kimi Antonelli came in for criticism from boss Toto Wolff after his “underwhelming” home display at Monza last month, but after a solid display in Azerbaijan the rookie backed it up with another decent outing in Singapore.
Antonelli did not quite have the measure of more experienced teammate George Russell, and an average first lap hindered the youngster’s prospects, but he pulled off one of the moves of the race by passing Charles Leclerc into Turn 16.
“Kimi’s race was compromised by losing two places at the start, but he had good pace and battled back hard,” Wolff said. “His move on Leclerc at turn 16 was incredible; it took everyone by surprise and ensured both our cars finished ahead of Ferrari, which is important for second in the Constructor’s Championship.”
It marked the first time this season that Antonelli has scored back-to-back top five results.
McLaren splits from junior Dunne
Promising Irish youngster Alex Dunne has competed in McLaren colors in Formula 2 this year, but the parties have split with immediate effect. Dunne, fifth in this year’s Formula 2 championship, has impressed with flashes of speed, though this has been counterbalanced by a spate of incidents that drew criticism from rivals.
Dunne also caught the eye during his two Free Practice 1 outings for McLaren, in Austria and Italy, and participated in private tests as well. But the parties have now separated. It is understood that McLaren and Dunne could not come to an agreement over his 2026 plans, given the pathway to a seat in Formula 1 is blocked owing to the presence of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri.
Dunne is believed to have held tentative talks with Alpine, which did not lead anywhere, and has also held discussions with Red Bull over joining its junior program. That would likely lead to another season of Formula 2 to put himself in contention for a Racing Bulls drive for 2027.
American Ugochukwu stays in F3
American youngster Ugo Ugochukwu will remain in Formula 3 next year. Ugochukwu dominated last year’s Macau Grand Prix but had a challenging campaign after stepping up to Formula 3, taking just two podiums on his way to 16th overall.
Ugochukwu, who raced for Prema in 2025, will switch to reigning Teams’ champions Campos for 2026.
Block takes maiden F1 Academy win
Lia Block claimed her maiden F1 Academy win during the reversed grid Race 1 in Singapore. Block started from pole position and controlled proceedings around Marina Bay to chalk up the first victory of her F1 Academy career. Ferrari junior Maya Weug overcame Doriane Pin on the final lap of the main race to take her third victory of the campaign, closing to within nine points of Mercedes-backed Pin, despite a mid-race rain shower turning conditions perilously tricky.
American Chloe Chambers had been in the mix for a podium, but a switch to wet tires backfired, as he dropped down the order due to the time loss, though compatriot Courtney Crone—who is supported by Haas—registered her first point of the campaign by rounding out the top 10.
Singapore attendance up
Organizers of the Singapore Grand Prix reported a year-on-year attendance rise of 11 per cent. Capacity was reduced in 2023, when the partially redesigned track removed one of the biggest grandstands, but this year officials claimed a weekend attendance of just over 300,000 spectators, compared to 269,000 in 2024.
Everyone finishes—again
Despite the proximity of the walls, and the torturous nature of the bumpy Singapore street track, all 20 starters were classified at the finish of the 62-lap race. The closest anyone came to retiring was Nico Hulkenberg, who spun into the turn 7 run-off after being caught out by Franco Colapinto’s Alpine, but he recovered and continued in the race. It is the third time this season that no driver has retired from a grand prix.
Category: General Sports
