Stewards let Verstappen keep Singapore Sprint pole

The Red Bull driver passed Lewis Hamilton under double yellow flags, but stewards ruled the move justified after reviewing the circumstances.

The incident happened in the first segment of Sprint Qualifying after a crash involving Sergio Perez of Cadillac. Yellow flags were followed by double yellows as Perez turned his car around and rejoined the track. Verstappen passed Lewis Hamilton during that period.

Stewards summoned the Dutch driver after qualifying. Formula 1 reported that they reviewed the incident and issued no penalty. Verstappen had explained over team radio that he made the pass cautiously in light of conditions on track, and stewards deemed his actions acceptable.

Verstappen therefore kept the front starting position for Saturday’s Sprint. George Russell was second in Sprint Qualifying and Charles Leclerc third. Formula 1’s official schedule lists the Sprint for 09:00 Singapore time on October 10, or 12:00 Moscow time.