The champion inches closer: Will Piastri pop as Verstappen looms ever larger?

MAX Verstappen’s second-place finish in Singapore may not have been a race victory, but it carried far more weight than just a podium.

- JEHRAN NAIDOO

With the chequered flag falling on a sweltering night in Marina Bay, Verstappen walked away with crucial points that have slashed the gap between himself and Oscar Piastri in the fight for the world drivers’ championship.

Piastri now leads the standings with 336 points, followed by Lando Norris on 314 and Verstappen on 273. What once looked like McLaren’s title to lose is suddenly becoming Verstappen’s golden opportunity to snatch control in the closing stages of the season.

The Dutchman’s experience is beginning to show in the second half of the campaign. While Piastri dazzled in the opening rounds, powered by McLaren's blistering one-lap pace and near-flawless teamwork, Verstappen has steadily found his rhythm.