Singapore Grand Prix: Sergio Perez holds off Charles Leclerc to win an eventful race in wet-dry conditions

Sergio Perez capped off a sensational drive to hold off Charles Leclerc in interchanging conditions to take his second victory in 2022 on the streets of Singapore.

Leclerc could only manage second despite taking his ninth pole position of the year, with his Spanish team-mate Carlos Sainz finishing in third.

The race was initially delayed due to treacherous conditions that showered the Marina Bay Street Circuit prior to the grand prix. But when the race resumed an hour later, it was Perez that took the lead with the grid starting on the intermediate tyre.

An action-packed two hours of entertainment was fuelled by two safety cars and three virtual safety cars. 

Incident-packed Singapore Grand Prix

Leclerc provided immense pressure on the Mexican after the final safety car restart, but the Mexican held on to take his fourth career win.

The crossover between the wet and slick tyre during the heart of the race was the pinnacle of the action. Mercedes’ George Russell was the first to gamble switching to the medium tyre, but it wasn’t until lap 35 where the pitstops followed.

During the midst of the incident-strewn race, Yuki Tsunoda beached his AlphaTauri into the barriers deploying the safety car, while Hamilton also had a similar issue damaging his front-wing.

The restart saw Verstappen too eager on the brakes going for a move on Lando Norris meaning he locked his front brakes and dropped out of the points.

The current championship leader, who had the opportunity to tie up the title this weekend, eventually came home in eighth. The Dutchman made up a lot of ground after a poor start – enduring in a late battle with Lewis Hamilton and Sebastian Vettel after falling down the order after that failed attempt on passing McLaren’s Lando Norris for fourth after the last safety car restart.

In the fight for fourth in the constructors, McLaren benefitted from both Alpine cars retiring from the race with Norris and Daniel Ricciardo finishing fourth and fifth, respectively.

The interchanging conditions made it difficult for all drivers, with only 14 drivers being classified. 

An inspiring weekend for Aston Martin saw both their cars finish in the points as well for only the second time this season.

Despite taking the chequered flag, Sergio Perez is still under investigation for a safety car infringement that could see a time penalty applied.

By Daniel Baverstock