Max Verstappen’s pole position for the F1 Singapore GP Sprint in danger as driver under investigation
Four-time F1 champion Max Verstappen took the pole position at the 2026 F1 Singapore GP sprint qualifying. However, the Dutchman’s P1 start is in danger following a possible yellow flag infringement during the sprint qualifying. Verstappen has been summoned by the Stewards as the incident is investigated.
Sergio Perez locked up, went deep, and hit the barrier during SQ1. However, the Mexican was able to reverse the stricken Cadillac and make his way back to the pit lane. As Checo was driving back to the pits, the broken front wing, which was stuck under the car, got free and left debris on the racing line.
FIA had double yellows in the sectors, which eventually turned into a full Red Flag. While the sector was under yellow flags, Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton passed through turn 7. The Red Bull driver overtook the seven-time F1 champion, before later giving the position back.
However, according to the FIA rules, overtaking under yellow flags isn’t allowed. The same was noted by the FIA, and it will be investigated after the qualifying session. Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton got onto the team radio after the incident.
“Max overtook me under yellow flag,” said 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,” Verstappen said on the team radio.
Both Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen have been summoned by the Stewards. The FIA document summoning the Red Bull driver read,
“Alleged breach of Appendix H, Article 2.5.5 b) of the International Sporting Code – Car 3 allegedly overtook Car 44 under yellow flags at 20:35.”
The four-time F1 champion could possibly be given a five-place grid penalty if found guilty by the FIA. At a track like Marina Bay, where overtaking is difficult, a grid drop will likely be a tough pill to swallow.
Max Verstappen on the Red Bull coming alive in SQ3
The format of the sprint qualifying is such that the SQ1 and SQ2 sessions require the teams to run on the medium compound tires. It is only in SQ3 that they run in the soft tires.
Mercedes and Ferrari dominated the SQ1 and SQ2 sessions, but with the softs in SQ3, Max Verstappen made the difference and took the pole position. Speaking about the same during the post-session interview, Verstappen said,
“Once we bolted the softs on the car it felt like it was coming alive a little bit more. But I did not expect this.. I’m of course very happy to be first.”
George Russell will be starting alongside the Dutchman on the front row if Verstappen escapes the FIA penalty.
Read More: 2026 F1 Singapore GP Sprint Qualifying: Full Results and Starting Order for the Sprint
