5 BOLD Predictions for the F1 Singapore Grand Prix

Matt Hylen
Oct 4
4 min read

Credit to Mario Monreal, BT via businesstimes.com.sg

Round 18 of the 2025 season is here in Marina Bay, Singapore. With the grid scattered and no one team standing alone at the front, we may be in for another unpredictable grand prix. Nevertheless, though it may be unpredictable, let's make some predictions anyway. Will George Russell hold off Max Verstappen and the McLarens? Will Max save his chance at a Drivers' title? Or will the McLaren dominance reign supreme with a race win in Singapore? All is to play for, the stakes have not been higher, so let's get predicting!

But before we do, here is a look at the starting grid for Sunday's race (updated October 4th at 8pm EST)

George Russell
Max Verstappen
Oscar Piastri
Kimi Antonelli
Lando Norris
Lewis Hamilton
Charles Leclerc
Isack Hadjar
Oliver Bearman
Fernando Alonso
Nico Hulkenberg
Liam Lawson
Yuki Tsunoda
Gabriel Bortoleto
Lance Stroll
Franco Colapinto
Esteban Ocon
Pierre Gasly
Carlos Sainz
Alex Albon

NOTE: Both Carlos Sainz and Alex Albon were disqualified from qualifying due to the rear wing being over the weight limit.

Both VCARBs will Finish in the Points

VCARB have much more pace than qualifying is portraying, in my opinion. Isack Hadjar was visibly frustrated after finishing his final Q3 lap, later explaining how he felt he could have done "something special" if he had not made a mistake. On the other hand, Liam Lawson was able to make it into Q2 despite crashing twice in practice. Lawson will also be starting 12th due to the two Williams DSQs.

With Williams out of the way and Aston Martin not looking particularly fast, double points are absolutely on the cards for VCARB. We have seen how Lawson can perform at this track in the past, while Hadjar has been consistent all year long. Do not be surprised if VCARB competes with the likes of Ferrari this weekend.

At least 1 Ferrari will Fall out of the Points

I have not been impressed thus far by Ferrari in Marina Bay. The performance is simply not there from the perspective of the driver or the car. With this track not really suiting the car's strengths, I just do not see Ferrari making up any ground on the competition ahead. They were miles off Max Verstappen, Mercedes, and McLaren (who all have struggled at some point this weekend), plus with their history of bad strategy, it does not look good for Ferrari. They may need a convenient Safety Car or pit lane luck in order to finish any higher than they are now.

There will be at Least 3 DNFs During the Race, and 1 by a Top Team

I don't know how, I don't know when, but what I do know is that I have a feeling something is going to happen. Have I said this in the past few races? Sure. Has much happened during the races? No, but Singapore will be different, I can sense it.

There is an intense sort of angst in the air at Marina Bay. With the heat high and the track leaving little to no room for error, a driver or two are bound to make a mistake. McLaren needs to win this race to fend off a Verstappen push, Max Verstappen needs to win this race to keep his Drivers' title hopes alive, while Mercedes needs to win this race to pull away from Ferrari and Red Bull in the Constructors' Standings. It is a massive turning point race under the lights. I just can't shake this feeling that everyone will be aggressive on Sunday.

Mercedes will Secure a Double Podium

To most's surprise, Mercedes look like the team to beat this weekend. The pace seems to have come out of nowhere, with Russell and Antonelli having a great grip on the car. Both George and Kimi were rapid in qualifying, with Kimi being a mistake away from putting both Mercs on the podium to start the race.

With that said, I think it is Mercedes' race to lose. As I mentioned, the pace looks incredible, which is promising on a track that is super difficult to overtake on. If Antonelli can keep his head while George fends off the rest of the pack, the two Mercedes drivers could produce their best weekend of 2025.

George Russell will Win the Singapore Grand Prix

Credit to Pit Pass Media via pitpass.com

Going off what I said in my previous prediction, I think this has Russell dominance written all over it. If he can get by lap 1 without being passed, I think it could be smooth sailing from there. His qualifying pace was unbelievable, making me believe it will translate to the race. It may take a defensive masterclass, but that is what George is best at. Book Russell for his 2nd win of 2025.