Russell: We had it all under control

Russell raced into the distance after keeping his lead at the start of the race under the floodlights of the Marina Bay Circuit following a brilliant qualifying effort on Saturday as Mercedes emerged as the team to beat in Singapore, with Kimi Antonelli finishing in fifth.

"I'm really pleased with our victory this evening," Russell said in Mercedes' race report. "This track has not always been my best friend over the years, maybe from my own doing.

"We didn't start the weekend in the best way either but come Q3 yesterday I felt really good in the car and that carried on into today.

"It was such a long race, so I was very glad to see the chequered flag, but we ultimately had it all under control," the Briton claimed.

Russell's win is a boost to Mercedes' chances at securing the runner-up position in the 2025 Formula 1 Constructors' as they fight with Ferrari for that.

"The goal for us is to finish second in the Constructor's Championship this year," Russell noted. "This result helps us in that quest, but we still have six races to go.

"We will need to be at our best if we are to achieve that but hopefully we can carry this form into the double header of Austin and Mexico City.

"Congratulations to McLaren on their Constructor's title and to Mercedes AMG High Performance Powertrains too," he concluded.

As for Antonelli, after losing positions at the start, he managed to climb back up to finish fifth, executing a fine pass on Charles Leclerc towards the end of the race.

Speaking of his start, the Italian rookie said: "I struggled with some wheelspin in the second phase of my start and that cost me into turn one.

"I lost two positions, and my race was a fightback from there. It was a tough race physically but I'm happy with how I managed to battle back.

"The pace was good, and I was able to gain a position back with a good move on Leclerc. We could have achieved more tonight but P5 is still OK.

"Congratulations to George on a great win and a brilliant drive," Antonelli said. "That is a great result for the team and really helps us out in the Constructor's.

"Congratulations to McLaren too and everyone at Mercedes AMG High Performance Powertrains on another Mercedes powered title," he concluded.

Mercedes boss Toto Wolff hailed the performance by his lead driver on Sunday evening at the Marina Bay Circuit; he commented: "That was an amazing drive from George this evening.

"He controlled the race from lights out to the chequered flag to take a brilliant win. The pace he and the car had was surprising but strong and that was the winning formula today.

"Kimi's race meanwhile was compromised by losing two places at the start," the Austrian added, "but he had good pace and battled back hard.

"His move on Leclerc at turn 16 was incredible; it took everyone by surprise and ensured both our cars finished ahead of Ferrari which is important for second in the Constructor's Championship.

"On that note, congratulations to McLaren as they secured the Constructor's crown this evening. They have been the best team this year, so it is well deserved.

"Congratulations also go to our team-mates at Mercedes AMG High Performance Powertrains who secured a 10th Mercedes powered Constructor's title in the past 12 years," Wolff concluded.

Mercedes are now 25 clear of Ferrari in the 2025 F1 Constructors' Championship.