Ferrari driver Sebastian Vettel took advant of an early pit stop to win Singapore Grand Prix on Sunday and end a 13-month winless streak in Formula One. Vettel, who started third on grid, crossed finish line 2.641 seconds ahead of Charles Leclerc — who was unhappy with team pit strategy — in a Ferrari 1-2. It was four-time F1 champion Vettel’s first win since 2018 Belgian Grand Prix. “Obviously start of season has been difficult for us but in recent weeks we started to come alive,” Vettel said. “It’s been incredible to get so much support from fans and I tried to put it all into track today and into car and I’m glad it paid off.”

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Leclerc unhappy with team pit strategy

Leclerc started from pole and held lead at 5-kilometre (3.1-mile) Marina Bay street circuit until he pitted on 21st lap of night race. When Leclerc rejoined, he was behind Vettel, who had pitted a lap earlier. Leclerc made it clear over team radio that he was t happy that Vettel pitted first and got lead. Red Bull’s Max Verstappen was third while championship leader Lewis Hamilton was fourth. With six races remaining, Hamilton holds a 65-point lead over Mercedes teammate Valtteri Bottas, who finished fifth. winner of each race gets 25 points. It was Vettel’s fifth victory under lights in Singapore and ended a 22-race winless streak.

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'Very surprised a lap later to come out ahead'

Vettel said he received call from his team to pit and it wasn’t his decision. “It was a very late call,” Vettel said. “I thought it was a bit early because I wasn’t sure we can make tires last in second stint but, yeah, n I just gave it everything in out-lap because I saw two cars in front of me t pitting, especially Lewis. I was n very surprised a lap later to come out ahead.” Leclerc, who won previous two races and appeared set for a third straight victory, was diplomatic later when asked about pit strategy of Ferrari. “It’s always difficult to lose a win like that but in end, it’s a 1-2 for team,” Leclerc said. “We arrived here hoping for a podium and come back with a 1-2 so are extremely happy.” 

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'I just don’t think it’s fair'

During race, Leclerc had a different take when he was told to save his engine 15 laps from finish. His response to Ferrari included: “I just don’t think it’s fair, but I won’t do anything stupid.” Red Bull’s Alexander Albon was in sixth place and Lando rris finished seventh for McLaren, ahead of Toro Rosso’s Pierre Gasly. Renault’s Nico Hulkenberg was ninth and Alfa Romeo’s Antonio Giovinnazi rounded out Top 10.

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