Sports · Motorsport · 1 day ago
Verstappen keeps Singapore sprint pole despite yellow-flag breach
Max Verstappen will start the Singapore Grand Prix sprint from pole position.
During sprint qualifying, he passed Lewis Hamilton while they were in a yellow-flag sector.
The flags were shown after Sergio Perez’s car was damaged and debris was shed.
The stewards found that Verstappen had breached the yellow-flag rule.
They said he lifted off the throttle and slowed, while Hamilton had slowed to less than 60 km/h, leaving a large speed difference between the cars.
They accepted that avoiding the pass might have required heavy braking that could create an unsafe situation, so they imposed no penalty.
Verstappen keeps pole, and Hamilton will start sixth.
Max Verstappen kept pole for the Singapore Grand Prix sprint after stewards decided not to penalise him for overtaking Lewis Hamilton under yellow flags.
The stewards found that Verstappen had breached the yellow flag regulation by passing Hamilton.
They said the overtake resulted from a significant speed difference and was an unfortunate consequence, so no penalty was imposed.
Verstappen had lifted off the throttle and reduced his speed after seeing the yellow flag, according to telemetry cited by the stewards.
The incident happened during the opening segment of sprint qualifying after Sergio Perez’s car sustained front-wing damage.
- Who
- Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton were involved; the stewards investigated Verstappen.
- What
- Verstappen overtook Hamilton under yellow flags but kept sprint pole after receiving no penalty.
- When
- During SQ1 of sprint qualifying on October 9, 2026.
- Where
- Between Turns 7 and 8 at the Marina Bay Circuit in Singapore.
- Why
- The stewards said the overtake followed a significant closing-speed difference and decided not to impose a penalty.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
The Stewards were satisfied that the Driver of Car 3 reacted appropriately to the yellow flag by lifting off throttle and reducing speed.
The Stewards determined that the Driver of Car 3 breached the yellow flag regulation by overtaking Car 44.
satisfied that the overtake was an unfortunate consequence of the significant closing speed differential
Sergio Perez’s Cadillac sustained front-wing damage and debris led to yellow flags during sprint qualifying.
Verstappen overtook Hamilton between Turns 7 and 8 in the yellow-flag sector.
Verstappen and Hamilton presented their cases to the stewards, who reviewed evidence and decided against a penalty.
Verstappen retained pole for the Singapore sprint.
- Sprint pole
- Max Verstappen
- Other driver involved
- Lewis Hamilton
- Incident location
- Between Turns 7 and 8, Marina Bay Circuit
- Hamilton’s speed at overtake
- Less than 60km/h
- Verstappen’s speed reduction
- About 70km/h slower than on another push lap
- Stewards’ outcome
- Infringement found; no penalty imposed
Sources
Verstappen keeps pole after yellow flag infringement
Verstappen avoids penalty over yellow flag infringement
Max Verstappen learns fate as FIA reaches Singapore yellow flag decision
Why Verstappen keeps Singapore sprint pole despite yellow flag 'breach'
Verstappen avoids penalty over Singapore sprint qualifying breach
FIA stewards deliver verdict in Max Verstappen yellow-flag investigation
Max Verstappen escapes penalty and keeps Singapore sprint pole after Lewis Hamilton incident
Verstappen keeps sprint race pole position after passing Hamilton under yellow flags | Formula 1
Verstappen keeps Singapore Sprint pole after investigation
The stewards' verdict: Why Verstappen avoided pole-losing grid penalty
Related news
Verstappen wins Singapore GP as Antonelli moves closer to F1 title
McLaren tells Norris and Piastri to put team first after Singapore crash
Wallace, Bowman and Byron uninjured after major Charlotte NASCAR crash
Kostecki and Hazelwood win chaotic 2026 Bathurst 1000 for DJR
Verstappen wins Singapore Grand Prix for first time
Gasly questions stewards’ decision not to penalise Norris for Piastri collision
Bezzecchi wins Indonesian GP as Martin retakes MotoGP championship lead
Antonelli nears the title as pundits consider pressure on championship leader
Wolff rejects claims Mercedes is favouring Antonelli over Russell
Verstappen takes Singapore GP pole after winning sprint
Verstappen wins rain-delayed Singapore Sprint after Russell crashes
