What with last weekend, and how this weekend has played out thus far, Max Verstappen and Red Bull appear to be repeating the turnaround of 2025.

However, don't expect the Dutchman to arrive in Abu Dhabi - or Imola - with a chance of securing the title, not unless Toto, the FIA and Stefano all have access to 'Stop Kimi' buttons.

Finally, Max, his car and his engine are in the groove and there appears to be no stopping them.

The Dutchman has been typically remorseless this weekend, and while many are celebrating the fact that this is his 250th start - yesterday having witnessed his 50th pole position - the four-time world champion simply wants to get on with it.

Unfortunately, things haven't been quite so smooth for his teammate who starts from the pitlane following an overnight change of engine.

The Frenchman is joined by the Aston Martin pair after making set-up changes overnight, while George Russell, who has taken on even more new engine components, starts from the back after being handed a 60-place grid drop.

Mercedes claims that it is finally beginning to understand the update introduced last weekend, though we wait to see if they are finally on top of the situation. Russell aside, it hasn't been a trouble-free weekend for Antonelli, though, in all honesty, the youngster can afford a couple of 'off' weekends. (But not 'the button')

The Ferraris look strong, and judging by qualifying both Hamilton and Leclerc are up for it, while the McLaren pair will still be smarting following their Sprint clash.

Gasly got the better of the RB duo yesterday, and this will be the fight to watch, especially with Audi and Haas battling behind.

Once conditions improved yesterday's Sprint turned out to be as processional as expected, and while that will probably be the case today, now that the 'big prize' is at stake - and the fact that we have a two week break before Austin - might tempt drivers to take a few more risks.

That said, teams are already looking ahead to 2027, and the last thing they need is to replace damaged parts, both in terms of resources, time and money.

The pitlane opens and Verstappen cannot wait to get things started, he leads Sainz, Bearman, Albon and Colapinto.

Pirelli believes the soft represents the most interesting option for the start, which could be heavily influenced by any Safety Car periods. The higher level of grip offered by the soft in the opening phase should make it the preferred choice for most drivers, who may look to extend the first stint, aided by the low degradation levels, while waiting for a favourable neutralisation.

For the second part of the race, the medium and hard offer relatively similar performance, although the medium could provide an advantage in terms of grip. At present, a two-stop strategy appears unlikely, as it is estimated to be around ten seconds slower than the available one-stop alternatives.

Of the big guns, all bar Antonelli have one set of fresh softs (Hadjar has three), while the McLaren pair and the Ferrari drivers have two sets of fresh mediums.

Those aiming to start on softs and then switch to medium are looking at a window between Laps 26 to 32, while those intending to switch to hards will most likely stop between Laps 23 to 29. If starting on the medium, one would be expected to pit between Laps 25 to 31.

Stroll has already been noted for a practice start infringement.

Air temperature is 30 degrees, while the track temperature is 44 degrees. There is a 5% chance of rain.

Ahead of the formation lap there appears to be an issue with Antonelli's car, seemingly it involves a sensor.

Has someone pushed the button?

All are on softs bar Hamilton, Gasly, Lindblad, Hulkenberg, Bortoleto, Colapinto, Albon, Bottas, Russell and Hadjar, who are on mediums. Leclerc, Antonelli and Lawson are on used rubber (softs).

Interesting that there are quite a few teams splitting their strategies.

They head off on the formation lap, all getting away cleanly, though Leclerc is a little slow off his grid slot.

The grid forms, as Hadjar and the Astons peel off into the pitlane.

On the second row, Antonelli's car is pointing towards the middle of the track

They're away! An OK start from Verstappen, but a better getaway from Leclerc. The Dutchman moves across the track to cover him and while the Ferrari has the inside line for Turn 1, Verstappen, running over the kerb, leads into Turn 2.

Lawson and Piastri are side-by-side and as Antonelli takes a look at Hamilton, Norris is all over the Italian.

Meanwhile, into Turn 1, Lindblad was sandwiched between Sainz and Hulkenberg, losing a number of places in the process.

"That was quite dangerous what Sainz did," claims Lindblad. "If I didn't brake all three crash."

At the end of Lap 1, it's: Verstappen, Leclerc, Hamilton, Antonelli, Norris, Piastri, Lawson, Hulkenberg, Gasly and Sainz. Great start from the Spaniard, while Russell is up to 17th.

Bearman and Ocon are battling for 11th, Beaman runs wide and passes his teammate but subsequently hands the position back. However, the Briton subsequently makes a move that sticks.

Lap 3 sees Hamilton post a new fastest lap (38.435) as he maintains a 1s gap behind his teammate.

Verstappen responds with a 37.949, as he maintains 0.9s lead over Leclerc.

Still down in 20th, Hadjar reports various issues with his car as Bearman passes Sainz for 10th.

Russell passes Colapinto for 14th.

On Lap 8, Bortoleto pulls to the side of the track near the pitlane exit. It appears to be a transmission issue.

The VSC is deployed, however the leading pack opt not to take advantage and pit.

The VSC is withdrawn as the Audi is pushed into the pitlane.

Hadjar is up to 17th having passed Alonso and Perez.

In the pitlane marshals are dealing with a smoking Audi, as a result the pitlane entrance is closed.

Sainz and Lindblad have both been noted for leaving the track and gaining an advantage.

After 10 laps, Hamilton has dropped 3.3s behind Leclerc, with Antonelli less than a second behind.

"I think Plan c, and opposite to Red Bull," urges Leclerc.

"Do you still agree that your idea would be best," Norris is asked, in reference to a suggestion he seemingly made during a strategy meeting. "Yes," replies the 2025 world champion.

A late braking gamble sees Russell pass Sainz for 12th.

"If we can continue to eke this out it will help our cause," Verstappen is advised. The Dutchman responds with a new fastest lap (37.197).

Indeed, over the next couple of gap Verstappen builds a 3.4s lead.

As Antonelli maintains a 0.6s gap to Hamilton, Norris closes in from behind.

Check out our Sunday gallery from Singapore here.