Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc looked back together on the intense opening battle that probably decided the outcome of the 2026 Singapore Grand Prix, with the two rivals sharing a light-hearted exchange before the podium after fighting for the lead into Turn 1.
A crucial start at the Singapore Grand Prix
The 2026 Singapore Grand Prix was probably decided at the start, and specifically at the first corner. Max Verstappen made a worse getaway than Charles Leclerc, and the Ferrari driver appeared set to arrive at Turn 1 ahead of the pole-sitter.
However, Max Verstappen responded with his trademark determination and precision. The Dutch driver delayed his braking as much as possible while simultaneously squeezing Charles Leclerc tightly towards the inside, yet still managed to keep his car within the track limits.
That allowed Max Verstappen to emerge ahead at Turn 2, and from that point onwards the race lead remained in his hands. The opening phase had already been captured in detail as Charles Leclerc attacked Max Verstappen at the Singapore GP start, with Ferrari briefly threatening to take control of the race.
The way the order changed and then stabilised through the opening phase can also be followed through the F1 Race Position & Progression Tracker.
Charles Leclerc and Max Verstappen analyse their Turn 1 battle
The two rivals joked together before the podium while watching back the brief but extremely intense fight into Turn 1. Their exchange also showed how friendly their relationship has become away from the track compared with some of the rougher moments between them earlier in their careers.
“Damn, the start. I was thinking, like: ‘What do I do here?’” Charles Leclerc told Max Verstappen as they watched the replay from the Ferrari driver’s onboard camera.
The footage showed that Max Verstappen had left Charles Leclerc only the minimum amount of space needed to get through, firmly closing the door while keeping the move within the limits.
Max Verstappen then effectively admitted to Charles Leclerc that his intention had been to restrict his rival as much as possible without crossing the line.
“I was like, ‘I’m going to give you the minimum space to get through,’” Max Verstappen replied to the Ferrari driver.
Fortunately for both drivers, there was no contact, and Max Verstappen ultimately came out on top in the direct battle. Charles Leclerc went on to finish second for Ferrari, with the Singapore GP result giving Ferrari another podium at Marina Bay.
For more coverage of the Monegasque’s races, qualifying performances and Ferrari developments, visit the Charles Leclerc news section.
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