That left Verstappen in front, with Hamilton behind. But after the seven-time champion pursued his erstwhile 2021 title rival for a few laps, the Red Bull began to ease away and was clearly in control, leading Hamilton, Leclerc, Piastri, Norris and Antonelli.
With overtaking difficult around Marina Bay, the field was static until the closing stages.
Leclerc was struggling, and he began to be caught by the McLarens and Antonelli.
Norris had been pressuring Piastri for some laps before the Australian also began to close in on Leclerc, and Antonelli, struggling with oversteer in the early laps, picked up the pace.
On the final lap, Norris made a better exit out of Turn Three and saw an opportunity to try to pass Piastri at Turn Five, but Piastri defended his position robustly, the cars touched, and spun in unison.
Norris was initially far enough alongside to make a legitimate passing attempt, but having apparently tried to back out of the move, not so at the apex to satisfy the driving standards rules.
But the criticism of Norris will be that he miscalculated the risk-reward, that it was an ill-advised, marginal move against his team-mate for little gain – a point was at stake – and none for the team, as it would have not changed their collective points total.
Piastri, who hit the barriers, was out on the spot, but Norris was able to keep going, although he fell down to eighth, behind Racing Bulls’ Liam Lawson, Haas driver Oliver Bearman and Audi’s Nico Hulkenberg.
The stewards will investigate the Norris-Piastri incident after the race.
The delayed start to the sprint means grand prix qualifying will begin 30 minutes later than originally scheduled, at 14:30 BST.
