Russell’s Redemption: McLaren Chaos, Verstappen’s Chase & a Perfect Singapore Night

This week on Two Soft Compounds, Rick is joined by motoring journalist and Formula One commentator Damien Reed to unpack a record-breaking Singapore Grand Prix — a night race that tested the limits of every driver under 60°C cockpit heat.

George Russell delivered a flawless weekend to take victory and crown Mercedes’ comeback, while Verstappen’s soft-tyre gamble and brake troubles kept Red Bull in damage control. The guys debate whether Singapore signals a genuine shift in momentum — and what it means as F1 heads toward Austin.

McLaren’s weekend was pure drama: a constructors’ title clinched amid tension between Norris and Piastri, on-track clashes, and a heated radio silence that could mark the start of an intra-team rivalry. Meanwhile, Ferrari’s frustration deepens, Alonso reminds everyone he’s still got it, and Lewis Hamilton’s brake failure sparks a fiery radio exchange and a lucky five-second penalty.

Plus, Rick and Damo spotlight rookie sensation Isack Hadjar, who continues to impress against veterans, and analyze how Mercedes, Red Bull, and McLaren are shaping up for the final run-in. As always, Nikki from @LightsOut delivers the stats that matter — from Russell’s record lap to Singapore’s first-ever race with no retirements and no safety cars.

All that and more, right here on Two Soft Compounds.

Production Credits:

Presented by: Rick Houghton
Studio Engineer & Editor: Roy D'Monte
Executive Producer: Ian Carless
Produced by: W4 Podcast Studio