Vettel wins 5th career Singapore GP for 1st victory of 2019

SINGAPORE (AP) Ferrari driver Sebastian Vettel took advantage of an early pit stop to win the Singapore Grand Prix on Sunday and end a 13-month winless streak in Formula One.

Vettel, who started third on the grid, crossed the finish line at the 5-kilometer (3.1-mile) Marina Bay street circuit 2.641 seconds ahead of teammate Charles Leclerc.

It was the four-time F1 champion's first win since the 2018 Belgian Grand Prix.

Red Bull's Max Verstappen was third while championship leader Lewis Hamilton was fourth.

Leclerc started from pole and held the lead until he pitted on the 21st lap. When Leclerc rejoined, he was behind Vettel, who had pitted a lap earlier.

Leclerc made it clear over the team radio that he was not happy that Vettel pitted first and got the lead.

It was Vettel's fifth victory under the lights in Singapore.

With six races remaining, Hamilton holds a 64-point lead over Mercedes teammate Valtteri Bottas, who finished fifth.