FIA confirms sprint qualifying errors in Singapore affected power and timing
The FIA said a human error during Singapore Grand Prix sprint qualifying left some cars in different power modes, meaning not all drivers had full power in SQ1. The session also featured a separate timing and scoring problem, prompting criticism from teams and drivers including Carlos Sainz.
Sprint qualifying for the Singapore Grand Prix was disrupted by multiple issues. SQ1 was red-flagged after Sergio Perez hit the barrier at Turn 5 and debris from his damaged front wing had to be cleared at Marina Bay.
After the session resumed, the FIA confirmed a human error in race control affected the Overtake Mode system. Reports said this left some drivers in different power modes, with some cars down on power and not all drivers having full power on their final SQ1 runs.
The FIA also confirmed a separate glitch in the timing and scoring system, which caused some lap times not to be displayed. The problems triggered frustration from several teams, with Aston Martin considering its options, while Carlos Sainz criticised the FIA and said the incident showed a lack of sporting equity.