Max Verstappen has come under investigation by the FIA stewards following a controversial incident involving Lewis Hamilton during the Singapore Grand Prix weekend, raising fresh questions about yellow-flag procedures and driver safety.
The Red Bull star arrived at Marina Bay with renewed confidence after securing his first victory of the season at last weekend’s Bahrain Grand Prix. However, his return to action quickly became complicated when he found himself under scrutiny during Friday’s qualifying session for the sprint race.
The incident occurred during the opening qualifying segment, SQ1, when Sergio Perez reportedly damaged his front wing, leaving debris on the circuit. The situation prompted yellow-flag conditions as officials responded to the potential danger on the track.
During the same sequence of events, Verstappen allegedly overtook Hamilton despite the yellow flags, prompting the Ferrari driver to question the Dutchman’s actions over team radio.
The session was subsequently red-flagged, and the FIA confirmed that Verstappen would be investigated by the stewards after the session concluded.
Hamilton Questions Verstappen’s Actions
Hamilton immediately raised concerns about the incident, informing his Ferrari team that Verstappen had passed him under yellow-flag conditions.
The seven-time world champion was heard saying over team radio: “Max overtook me under a yellow flag.”
His message highlighted the potential seriousness of the situation, as drivers are expected to slow down and exercise caution whenever yellow flags are displayed.
Yellow flags are an essential part of Formula One safety procedures. They warn drivers of hazards on or beside the circuit and require them to adjust their speed accordingly. Overtaking is generally prohibited in the affected section while yellow flags are being shown, making the precise timing of the incident particularly important.
However, determining whether a driver has breached the regulations requires officials to examine the available evidence, including the timing of the flags and the circumstances surrounding the alleged overtake.
Verstappen Explains His Decision
Verstappen also addressed the situation over his Red Bull team radio, suggesting that he had allowed Hamilton to pass again because the circumstances were difficult to judge.
The Dutchman reportedly said: “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.”
His comments suggested that he believed the overtake may have happened before the yellow flags became active. Nevertheless, he appeared willing to take a cautious approach by allowing Hamilton through again.
That explanation could become an important part of the stewards’ assessment as they determine whether the incident involved an actual breach of the sporting regulations.
FIA Stewards Set to Examine the Incident
The FIA confirmed that Verstappen had been summoned to appear before the stewards at 10:15 p.m. local time, corresponding to 3:15 p.m. in the United Kingdom.
The investigation placed the reigning champion under pressure early in the Singapore weekend, with the possibility of a sporting penalty depending on the stewards’ findings.
Any decision would depend on the evidence gathered and the officials’ interpretation of the relevant regulations. Until the investigation is concluded, the alleged infringement should not be treated as a confirmed violation.
For Verstappen, the situation threatens to distract from the momentum he gained through his Bahrain victory. For Hamilton and Ferrari, meanwhile, the investigation could become an important talking point as the weekend unfolds.
With both drivers eager to deliver strong performances at Marina Bay, attention will now turn to the FIA’s final verdict.
The outcome could have implications for Verstappen’s Singapore weekend, but the key question remains whether the stewards determine that he overtook Hamilton while yellow flags were already in effect.
