Why is Max Verstappen’s Singapore GP penalty decision trending?
Verstappen was investigated for overtaking Lewis Hamilton while yellow flags were active due to track debris. Stewards ruled no penalty was needed because the move was an accidental result of a large speed difference between the two cars.
What happened
- Earlier
Max Verstappen secures sprint pole position for the Singapore Grand Prix [1], [2].
- Earlier
Stewards launch an investigation into Verstappen for passing Lewis Hamilton under yellow flags in SQ1 [2].
- Earlier
Stewards clear Verstappen of a penalty after reviewing telemetry and footage, citing a significant closing speed differential [2].
What you need to know
Verstappen beat George Russell to pole by 0.12 seconds [1].
The yellow flags were deployed after Sergio Perez crashed his Cadillac [1], [2].
The decision followed a two-hour period of uncertainty regarding Verstappen's pole position [2].
It is not mentioned if Lewis Hamilton or Ferrari formally protested the stewards' decision.
Background
The Singapore sprint qualifying was marked by several FIA technical issues. A human error in race control caused 'overtake mode' to be disabled, then enabled for 27 seconds, and disabled again after a red flag, affecting some drivers' power [1], [2]. Additionally, a timing system glitch delayed the start of the second qualifying session [1], [2].
Red Bull is seeing a resurgence in performance, with Verstappen coming off a victory in Malaysia [1], [3]. Meanwhile, Mercedes is testing different car specifications, with George Russell performing better in an older version than Kimi Antonelli in the upgraded car [2], [3].
Questions people ask
Why didn't Verstappen get a penalty for the yellow flag?
Stewards determined the overtake was an unfortunate result of the speed difference between the cars rather than a deliberate breach [2].
What other issues happened during qualifying?
The FIA admitted to a human error regarding overtake mode settings and a separate glitch in the timing system [1], [2].
Where this came from
[1] bbc.co.uk
Singapore Grand Prix: Max Verstappen beats George Russell to Singapore sprint pole
Preview image from bbc.co.uk
[2] skysports.com
Singapore GP Sprint Qualifying: Max Verstappen keeps pole position from George Russell after avoiding yellow flags penalty
Preview image from skysports.com
[3] the-race.com
Winners and losers from sprint qualifying at F1's Singapore GP
Preview image from the-race.com
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