Telemetry confirmed Max Verstappen lifted off the throttle after catching the slowing Ferrari between Turns 7 and 8, as Max Verstappen avoided a grid penalty for the Singapore Grand Prix Sprint after stewards ruled his yellow-flag overtake of Lewis Hamilton was a consequence of a closing speed differential.
Verstappen Passes Hamilton Under Yellow Flags
Single yellow flags appeared as Verstappen exited Turn 7 on a push lap during the opening SQ1 phase of Sprint Qualifying at the Marina Bay street circuit. Ahead of him, Hamilton had already received a warning about the approaching Red Bull. Hamilton slowed down and moved to the right side of the track to clear the racing line.
Hamilton had reduced his speed to less than 60 km/h by the time Verstappen drew alongside, according to telemetry and stewards. Verstappen caught the Ferrari between Turns 7 and 8 while both cars remained inside the active yellow-flag sector, completing an overtake before abandoning his flying lap.
Hamilton alerted his pit wall instantly, stating Max overtook me under yellow flags
as reported by Formula1. Verstappen responded over his radio by saying, I’ll let Lewis by again. I think I passed him before the yellow, but I just want to be safe.
Stewards Issue No Penalty for Verstappen Overtake
Official records established that Verstappen had technically breached Appendix H, Article 2.5.5b of the FIA International Sporting Code.
No sporting penalty or grid drop was issued.
Data showed that within approximately 40 metres of entering the affected sector, the Red Bull driver had completely lifted off the accelerator.
“The stewards determined that the driver of Car 3 breached the yellow flag regulation by overtaking Car 44. However, the stewards were satisfied that the overtake was an unfortunate consequence of the significant closing speed differential and, in these circumstances, determined not to impose a penalty.”
FIA Stewards, via Formula1 and Motorsport
Verstappen argued that attempting to avoid the pass entirely would have required exceptionally heavy braking, which risked creating an unsafe situation given Hamilton’s low speed.
Verstappen Secures Sprint Starting Grid Position
The ruling ensures that Verstappen retains his starting position at the Marina Bay Street Circuit for the Saturday Sprint.