2012 Formula 1: Sebastian Vettel wins Singapore GP as Lewis Hamilton's tussle with luck continues

After a nearly dominating qualifying session, Sebastian Vettel surprisingly couldn’t hold on to the top spot. Instead, the reigning world champion qualified third on the grid, behind Pastor Maldonado and pole-sitter Lewis Hamilton. However, the latter suffered a major blow when his McLaren’s gearbox gave up the ghost with just 23 laps into the race.

With Hamilton out of the race, The Red Bull Racing driver effortless went on to take his second win of the season. Following him to the chequered flag was Jenson Button in the second of the McLarens while championship leader Fernando Alonso took the final podium spot. Force India’s Paul di Resta had the most successful weekend of the season as the young driver took home fourth spot ahead of Nico Rosberg and Kimi Raikkonen. 

The Singapore Grand Prix was not without its drama as Mercedes driver Michael Schumacher ran into the back of Toro Rosso's Jean-Eric Vergne. Although the veteran driver was unharmed, the safety car had to be deployed bunching the cars together and forcing a few strategy changes. After admitting his fault to the stewards, the seven-time World Champion was handed a 10-place grid penalty for the Japanese Grand Prix. Moreover, the race was then cut short to 59 laps after breaching the two hour limit. 

Mark Webber ended his day with a disappointing tenth place finish after being given a drive through penalty for going off the track while passing Kamui Kobayashi. After the race, things got worse for the Aussie as 20 seconds were added to his race time, putting him into eleventh spot eventually.

With another podium finish under the belt, Ferrari’s Fernando Alonso comfortably leads the drivers’ championship with 194 points ahead of Sebastian Vettel and Kimi Raikkonen. As for the constructors’ championship, Red Bull leads the table followed by McLaren and Ferrari.