Loser: Daniel Ricciardo
This was the most challenging weekend of Daniel Ricciardo’s career. The Australian arrived in Singapore amid speculation his future in F1 was under threat.
A strong showing in Friday practice raised hopes of a points-scoring finish, but he lost his way on Saturday and was booted out of qualifying in the first segment.
He struggled to make progress from 16th and while he pitted late on to steal fastest lap (but not the point as he was outside the top-10), it was of little consolation.
READ MORE: ‘I have to be prepared for this being it’ – Emotional Ricciardo ‘at peace’ if Singapore turns out to be final Grand Prix
Winner: Max Verstappen
Max Verstappen was in a world of pain on Friday as he struggled to get comfortable in a Red Bull that disliked the bumps and kerbs of Singapore’s Marina Bay street track.
However, he and the team turned things around for Saturday, the Dutchman surprising himself by taking the front row. He then converted that into second to limit the damage in the title fight.
With his former team mate and friend Ricciardo taking fastest lap away from Norris, it means Verstappen can be champion if he finishes second to Norris in the remaining Grands Prix and Sprints regardless of fastest lap bonuses.
