Fred Vasseur has commented on the events of Singapore Grand Prix Sprint Qualifying, where Max Verstappen is under FIA investigation over an alleged infringement. The Ferrari team principal believes a penalty could follow after the Red Bull driver was investigated for passing Lewis Hamilton under yellow flags.
Ferrari secured third and sixth in Sprint Qualifying, but attention quickly turned to the FIA investigation hanging over Max Verstappen, who had taken pole position and could still be penalised. Any sanction could directly affect the starting positions of both Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton ahead of the Sprint.
Max Verstappen investigated after Lewis Hamilton radio message
During the opening phase of the session, Sergio Perez’s incident triggered yellow flags after his Cadillac lost a piece of its front wing. Near Turn 7, Max Verstappen was approaching at speed while Lewis Hamilton moved to the right to leave space.
The seven-time world champion immediately reported the incident over the radio: “Max overtook me under yellow flags.” The stewards subsequently opened an investigation and decided to hear from those involved after Sprint Qualifying.
Both Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton went to the FIA offices at 16:15 to discuss the incident. A decision was still pending, with the case potentially carrying a grid penalty depending on the stewards’ assessment.
Fred Vasseur expects a five-place penalty
Fred Vasseur was broadly satisfied with Ferrari’s performance but also gave his view on the investigation involving Max Verstappen.
“Overall, it was quite a good qualifying. We were in the fight, it was really tight. We were a little more competitive on the Medium tyres than on the Softs. But yes, it’s also preparation for tomorrow. So yes, it’s not bad. I don’t know if Max will be penalised. He overtook under yellow flags, so I think he’ll get a five-place grid penalty,” Fred Vasseur told Canal+.
The SF-26 showed particularly strong pace through the middle sector, but when Ferrari’s rivals increased power, it became more difficult to compete. Overall, the Scuderia performed well, although the car still lacked enough over a single lap to secure pole.
The contrast between Ferrari’s performance on the Medium and Soft compounds was one of the key themes of the session, while the broader demands of the venue are also explored in our Marina Bay circuit analysis.
Ferrari could gain positions if Verstappen is penalised
If Max Verstappen were given a five-place grid penalty, he would drop from first to sixth. George Russell would therefore move into first place, Charles Leclerc would rise to second and Lewis Hamilton would move up to fifth.
The FIA will analyse all available images and data before making its decision. Until that ruling is published, however, the Sprint grid remains provisional.
For Ferrari, the focus will then turn to Saturday’s Sprint and, above all, the main qualifying session, which carries particular importance on a street circuit such as Singapore. The full weekend programme is available in the 2026 Singapore Grand Prix schedule.
The potential change to the Ferrari starting order would also affect the internal comparison between the two drivers, which can be followed through the Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton season comparison.
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