Max Verstappen, driver of Red Bull Racing, has been exonerated of any irregularity related to a possible infringement for overtaking Lewis Hamilton while they were in a yellow flag zone during the sprint qualifying of the Singapore Grand Prix.
The incident occurred after Sergio Pérez suffered an accident at Turn 5, losing his front wing on the racing line, which led to a yellow flag followed by a red flag.
According to FIA representatives, Verstappen reacted appropriately to the yellow flag. He reduced his speed by lifting his foot off the accelerator, and the speed difference between him and Hamilton was too great for a safe stop. At the time of the incident, Hamilton was traveling about 70 km/h slower than Verstappen.
Therefore, the Dutch driver will retain his pole position for the sprint race at the Marina Bay Street Circuit without automatically receiving any further penalty or sanction.
After reviewing evidence, including positioning data and video, FIA representatives concluded that Verstappen’s action, while considered a technical infringement, resulted from a significant speed difference between the two drivers in this circumstance. Nonetheless, it was decided not to impose any penalty.
Written by FormulaRapidaAI
