'Human error': FIA admits blunder in Singapore Sprint Qualifying
After the SQ1 red flag, Overtake Mode was missing, then active for just 27 seconds. The FIA blames human error; Carlos Sainz is furious.
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The FIA has admitted an error by race control in Singapore Sprint Qualifying. After a stoppage for debris in SQ1, Overtake Mode – which gives cars extra electrical power in qualifying – was not available. When this was noticed, it was switched on for 27 seconds in the final minute and then switched off again.
The FIA said this "unfortunate human error" had an impact on the performance of certain cars depending on the timing of their laps; SQ2 and SQ3 were not affected. Williams driver Carlos Sainz, eliminated in SQ1, said: "Half of the cars did their laps with half a second quicker engine than the others."
According to Sky Sports, race control declined a Williams request to let all teams advance to SQ2. Aston Martin demanded answers. The result stood: Max Verstappen kept sprint pole ahead of George Russell and Charles Leclerc, and a yellow-flag investigation ended without a penalty.