{"id":3683,"date":"2026-10-09T12:48:03","date_gmt":"2026-10-09T15:48:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/en\/?p=3683"},"modified":"2026-10-09T12:48:04","modified_gmt":"2026-10-09T15:48:04","slug":"max-verstappen-escapes-singapore-sprint-grid-penalty-after-hamilton-overtake","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/en\/f1\/max-verstappen-escapes-singapore-sprint-grid-penalty-after-hamilton-overtake\/","title":{"rendered":"Max Verstappen escapes Singapore sprint grid penalty after Hamilton overtake"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">News Summary<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>The FIA confirmed Max Verstappen overtook Lewis Hamilton under yellow flags<\/strong>, breaching the International Sporting Code.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>No penalty was imposed<\/strong>, with stewards concluding that Verstappen had reacted appropriately and that the overtake resulted from a substantial speed difference.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Verstappen <strong>retains pole position for Saturday&#8217;s Singapore sprint<\/strong>, ahead of George Russell and Charles Leclerc.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Max Verstappen has escaped a penalty despite <strong>the FIA confirming that he overtook Lewis Hamilton under yellow flags during Singapore GP sprint qualifying<\/strong>, allowing the Red Bull driver to retain pole position for Saturday&#8217;s race at Marina Bay.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The stewards announced their decision in Document 29, issued at 23:38 local time on Friday, October 9, following a hearing involving Verstappen, Hamilton and representatives of both teams.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Although officials determined that Verstappen had breached the yellow-flag regulations, they accepted that he had slowed appropriately and that the overtake was an unintended consequence of the considerable difference in speed between the two cars.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/f1-2026-singapura-classificacao-sprint-red-bull-max-verstappen-8-1024x576.png\" alt=\"F1 2026, SINGAPURA, CLASSIFICA\u00c7\u00c3O SPRINT, RED BULL, MAX VERSTAPPEN, CARRO\" class=\"wp-image-1020317515\" srcset=\"https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/f1-2026-singapura-classificacao-sprint-red-bull-max-verstappen-8-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/f1-2026-singapura-classificacao-sprint-red-bull-max-verstappen-8-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/f1-2026-singapura-classificacao-sprint-red-bull-max-verstappen-8-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/f1-2026-singapura-classificacao-sprint-red-bull-max-verstappen-8-1536x864.png 1536w, https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/f1-2026-singapura-classificacao-sprint-red-bull-max-verstappen-8-1200x675.png 1200w, https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/f1-2026-singapura-classificacao-sprint-red-bull-max-verstappen-8-150x84.png 150w, https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/f1-2026-singapura-classificacao-sprint-red-bull-max-verstappen-8.png 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Max Verstappen (Photo: Red Bull Content Pool)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">FIA confirms Verstappen overtook Hamilton under yellow flags<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The incident occurred at 20:35 local time during SQ1, when a single yellow flag was displayed as Verstappen approached Turn 7 on a flying lap.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Hamilton was ahead of the Red Bull driver but had slowed and moved to the right after being warned of Verstappen&#8217;s approach. Verstappen subsequently passed the Ferrari before Turn 8, while both cars remained inside the yellow-flag sector.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Hamilton immediately reported the incident over Ferrari team radio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cMax overtook me under yellow flag,\u201d the seven-time world champion said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/en\/f1\/hamilton-accuses-verstappen-of-overtaking-under-yellow-flags-as-fia-opens-investigation\/\">GRANDE PR\u00caMIO<\/a><\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/en\/f1\/hamilton-accuses-verstappen-of-overtaking-under-yellow-flags-as-fia-opens-investigation\/\">reported during the session<\/a>, the FIA noted the possible infringement and summoned both drivers after qualifying.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The investigation included positioning and marshalling-system data, telemetry, video footage, timing information and team-radio recordings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Verstappen slowed before overtaking Hamilton<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">According to the stewards, Verstappen was accelerating out of Turn 7 when he saw the yellow flag and immediately lifted off the throttle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Telemetry confirmed that <strong>he had completely released the accelerator approximately 40 metres before entering the yellow-flag sector<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Hamilton, meanwhile, was braking and had reduced his speed to less than 60km\/h when Verstappen passed him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The stewards established that the Red Bull was travelling significantly more slowly than it had during another flying lap at the same point of the circuit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Verstappen&#8217;s speed at the moment of the overtake was approximately 70km\/h lower than during a comparable lap<\/strong>, supporting his explanation that he had reacted to the warning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Dutchman also argued that avoiding the overtake would have required extremely heavy braking, potentially creating an unsafe situation because of the considerable closing-speed difference.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">FIA acknowledges infringement but decides against penalty<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The stewards concluded that Verstappen had technically breached Appendix H, Article 2.5.5b of the FIA International Sporting Code by overtaking Hamilton under yellow flags.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">However, they accepted the circumstances surrounding the manoeuvre, particularly the substantial difference in speed and Verstappen&#8217;s immediate reaction to the warning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The official decision states <strong>\u201cNo penalty is applied.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The verdict means Verstappen retains the pole position he secured with a <strong>1:31.156<\/strong>, beating Russell by 0.120s and Leclerc by 0.243s.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/en\/f1\/verstappen-takes-singapore-sprint-pole-as-red-bulls-resurgence-continues\/\">complete Singapore sprint qualifying results<\/a><\/strong> remain unchanged following the investigation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Verstappen keeps pole for Singapore&#8217;s first F1 sprint<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Verstappen will start Saturday&#8217;s sprint from the front of the grid, with Russell alongside him and Leclerc third.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Red Bull driver had already admitted that <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/en\/f1\/verstappen-takes-singapore-sprint-pole-as-red-bulls-resurgence-continues\/\">his Singapore pole position came as a surprise<\/a><\/strong>, after the RB22 improved significantly on soft tyres during SQ3.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The decision also preserves Russell&#8217;s second-place starting position, despite the Mercedes driver&#8217;s separate power-unit penalty for Sunday&#8217;s Grand Prix.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/en\/f1\/singapore-gp-2026-f1-start-times-sprint-schedule-and-how-to-watch\/\">complete Singapore GP schedule, including sprint and broadcast information<\/a><\/strong> is available in <strong>GRANDE PR\u00caMIO<\/strong>&#8216;s weekend guide. <strong>GRANDE PR\u00caMIO<\/strong> follows the latest <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/en\/f1\/\">Formula 1<\/a><\/strong> news throughout the Singapore GP weekend.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Singapore GP 2026: F1 schedule and start times<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The <strong>2026 Singapore GP takes place from October 9-11<\/strong> at Marina Bay, featuring a sprint weekend with five Formula 1 sessions. See the start times for the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, India, Australia and New Zealand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><th>Session<\/th><th>UK (BST)<\/th><th>US\/Canada (ET)<\/th><th>India (IST)<\/th><th>Australia (AEDT)<\/th><th>New Zealand (NZDT)<\/th><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Saturday, October 10<\/strong><\/td><td><\/td><td><\/td><td><\/td><td><\/td><td><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Sprint<\/td><td>10:00<\/td><td>05:00<\/td><td>14:30<\/td><td>20:00<\/td><td>22:00<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Grand Prix qualifying<\/td><td>14:00<\/td><td>09:00<\/td><td>18:30<\/td><td>Sun 00:00<\/td><td>Sun 02:00<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Sunday, October 11<\/strong><\/td><td><\/td><td><\/td><td><\/td><td><\/td><td><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Grand Prix<\/td><td><strong>13:00<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>08:00<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>17:30<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>23:00<\/strong><\/td><td>Mon <strong>01:00<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">All times are local to each listed region. Australia refers to Sydney\/Melbourne time (AEDT), New Zealand to Auckland\/Wellington (NZDT), and ET to New York\/Toronto. Dates are the same as Singapore unless otherwise indicated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For additional details, see the <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/en\/f1\/singapore-gp-2026-f1-start-times-sprint-schedule-and-how-to-watch\/\">complete Singapore GP schedule and how to watch<\/a><\/strong>. <strong>GRANDE PR\u00caMIO<\/strong> follows the latest <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/en\/f1\/\">Formula 1<\/a><\/strong> news throughout the Singapore GP weekend.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">F1 today: FAQ<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What time is Singapore GP sprint qualifying today?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Sprint qualifying starts at 20:30 Singapore time on Friday, October 9, equivalent to 13:30 BST in the UK, 08:30 ET in the United States and Canada, and 18:00 IST in India. The session determines the starting grid for Saturday&#8217;s sprint.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Who was fastest in Singapore GP FP1?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">George Russell topped FP1 with a 1:32.274, driving Mercedes&#8217; older W17 aerodynamic specification. Charles Leclerc finished second, 0.198s behind, followed by Lando Norris in third. Kimi Antonelli was seventh with the upgraded Mercedes, while Gabriel Bortoleto finished 16th.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why is George Russell using the old Mercedes at the Singapore GP?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Mercedes is comparing its previous W17 specification with the aerodynamic upgrade introduced at Sepang. Russell is using the older package, while championship leader Kimi Antonelli retains the new version. Russell led FP1, but differences in tyre compounds and run programmes mean the result alone does not establish which specification is faster.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Was Max Verstappen penalised for overtaking Hamilton in Singapore?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>No.<\/strong> The FIA confirmed that Verstappen breached the yellow-flag regulation but decided not to impose a penalty after reviewing the circumstances.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Max Verstappen escapes punishment despite overtaking Lewis Hamilton under yellow flags during Singapore sprint qualifying, with stewards accepting that he slowed appropriately before the manoeuvre<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":1020317532,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"42wp_featured_image_caption":"Max Verstappen ","42wp_featured_image_credits":"AFP","42wp_featured_video":"","42wp_featured_image_hidden":false,"42wp_authors_list":[{"id":31,"location":""}],"footnotes":"","42wp_breaking_news":false},"categories":[5],"tags":[57,63,64,248],"42wp_author":[31],"class_list":["post-3683","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-f1","tag-fia","tag-lewis-hamilton","tag-max-verstappen","tag-singapore-gp","42wp_author-bernardo-castro"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3683","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3683"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3683\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3684,"href":"https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3683\/revisions\/3684"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1020317532"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3683"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3683"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3683"},{"taxonomy":"42wp_author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/42wp_author?post=3683"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}