Sebastian Vettel’s recklessness plays straight into Lewis Hamilton’s hands as Englishman extends championship lead in Singapore

Instead, Hamilton took a significant stride toward the world title after winning Sunday’s race from fifth place on the grid.

Red Bull’s Daniel Ricciardo prevented a Mercedes 1-2 by finishing ahead of Valtteri Bottas. Fourth place went to Toro Rosso’s Carlos Sainz Jnr – a career best for the Spanish driver.

Vettel made one of the worst starts of his distinguished career, throwing away pole position as he recklessly caused a crash heading into the first corner. The Ferrari driver took three others out with him – and critically none was a Mercedes.

Instead of moving ahead of Hamilton in their enthralling title battle, Vettel now trails him by 28 points with six races left.

“It couldn’t be a more perfect scenario,” Hamilton said. “I definitely went in today thinking it was about damage limitation. To come out of it in the other direction is a shock.”

Vettel was supposed to score heavily here. With less speed and 23 turns, the hard-braking Marina Bay circuit suited Ferrari much more than Mercedes. This was further reflected in qualifying, with Bottas sixth and Ferrari’s Kimi Raikkonen starting fourth.