Explained: Why Max Verstappen escaped penalty for the yellow flag infringement in F1 Singapore GP sprint qualifying
Max Verstappen escaped the penalty for overtaking Lewis Hamilton under yellow flag during the Sprint Qualifying at the 2026 Singapore GP. The FIA document revealed why the Dutchman was not penalised despite the yellow flag infringement.
Sergio Perez’s stricken Cadillac left debris on the track during the SQ1 session, which required the FIA to yellow-flag that sub-sector. During this time, Max Verstappen, who was on a push lap, overtook Lewis Hamilton.
As per the FIA rules, overtaking under yellow flags isn’t allowed, and the four-time F1 champion was noted & investigated for the same. The Stewards summoned both Hamilton and Verstappen after the session.
After reviewing the telemetry data and speaking with the drivers, the FIA found that Verstappen was on a push lap, while Hamilton was on a cool-down lap when the Dutchman overtook him under yellow flags.
It was also found that Max Verstappen did lift off the throttle as the yellow flags flashed. However, since the Red Bull driver was on a push lap, the speed differential to Hamilton was considerably high. Hence, Verstappen passed Hamilton before slowing down and letting him pass.
The explanation according to the FIA document read,
“The Stewards were satisfied that the Driver of Car 3 reacted appropriately to the yellow flag by lifting off throttle and reducing speed. The speed of Car 3 at the overtake point was some 70km/h less than Car 3’s speed on another push lap in the same session.”
“The Driver of Car 3 explained that to have avoided the overtake would have required him to have braked very heavily and he considered to have done so would have potentially created an unsafe situation.”
“The Stewards determined that the Driver of Car 3 breached the yellow flag regulation by overtaking Car 44. However, the Stewards were satisfied that the overtake was an unfortunate consequence of the significant closing speed differential and, in these circumstances, determined not to impose a penalty.”
Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton’s team radio after the yellow flag incident
Soon after Max Verstappen passed Lewis Hamilton under the yellow flag into Turn 8, both drivers took to the team radio. While the seven-time F1 champion explained the Dutchman overtaking him, Verstappen justified his actions.
“Max overtook me under yellow flag,” said Lewis Hamilton
“I let Lewis by again, because it was a bit tricky.. I think I passed him before the yellow, but I just want to be safe,” said Verstappen on the radio
Max Verstappen managed to take the pole position at the Singapore GP sprint qualifying. George Russell will start alongside him on the front row.
Read More: 2026 F1 Singapore GP Sprint Qualifying: Full Results and Starting Order for the Sprint
