Max Verstappen will keep his starting position for the Singapore Grand Prix Sprint after FIA stewards decided not to impose a grid penalty over his yellow-flag overtake on Lewis Hamilton during Sprint Qualifying. The Red Bull driver had been placed under investigation following the incident in SQ1 at the Marina Bay Street Circuit.
The case centred on a pass made while yellow flags were being displayed following an incident involving Sergio Perez. After reviewing the available footage and hearing Verstappen’s explanation, the stewards closed the investigation without changing his position on the grid for Saturday’s Sprint.
Why Max Verstappen was investigated after passing Lewis Hamilton
The incident occurred early in Sprint Qualifying after Sergio Perez’s Cadillac sustained front-wing damage. As Perez attempted to return to the pits, debris was left on the circuit, prompting race control to display yellow flags before the session was eventually stopped with a red flag.
During that caution period, Verstappen passed Hamilton’s number 44 Ferrari at Turn 7, close to the area where debris from Perez’s car had been scattered. The circumstances immediately made the manoeuvre relevant to the yellow-flag regulations, which led to post-session scrutiny from the stewards.
Hamilton alerted race engineer Carlo Santi over team radio that Verstappen had overtaken him under yellow flags. The matter was subsequently referred to the officials for investigation after Sprint Qualifying had finished.
The episode added another important storyline to a weekend already shaped by the unusual demands of the 2026 Singapore Grand Prix Sprint format, with teams having only one practice session before competitive running began.
FIA stewards reach final decision on Verstappen
Following Sprint Qualifying, Verstappen was summoned by the stewards to explain what had happened. Officials examined the available footage and considered the Red Bull driver’s account before reaching their final decision.
The verdict means Verstappen will receive no grid penalty for the Singapore Sprint. His starting position therefore remains unchanged, allowing Red Bull to turn its attention fully towards race preparation rather than dealing with a sporting sanction.
For Hamilton and Ferrari, the decision closes the matter before Saturday’s race. The British driver had brought the manoeuvre to the attention of his engineer immediately, but the stewards ultimately chose not to alter Verstappen’s grid position.
Track position remains crucial at Marina Bay
The ruling is particularly significant at Marina Bay, where track position can be especially valuable because of the circuit’s tight street layout and limited overtaking opportunities. The characteristics of the venue, including its braking zones, traction demands and faster sections, are detailed in the Marina Bay circuit guide for Ferrari.
With the investigation now resolved, the focus shifts back to the Sprint itself. Verstappen retains the grid spot earned in Sprint Qualifying, while Hamilton and Ferrari must approach Saturday’s race with the officials’ decision settled. The latest developments involving the seven-time world champion can also be followed through the Lewis Hamilton Ferrari news archive.
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