FIA issues statement after ‘human error’ sparks Singapore GP qualifying issue
Lindblad was knocked out in SQ1 in Singapore
The FIA has admitted that “human error” in race control during the opening phase of Sprint Qualifying for the Singapore Grand Prix saw some teams running with less power that others.
Multiple sources have confirmed to PlanetF1.com that several cars were impacted by the issue that left them running at reduced power following a timing systems glitch and a message from race control.
F1 power issue emerges in sprint qualifying at Singapore Grand Prix
The issue saw some cars complete their laps without the use of Overtake Mode, while others did have access to the additional power.
Introduced for the F1 2026 season as part of sweeping new regulations, Overtake Mode enables drivers to deploy an additional 0.5mJ of energy over the course of a lap.
The issue, which the FIA has conceded was “human error” in race control, occurred as a note on the timing screens during SQ1 advised that Overtake Mode was enabled.
According to FOM’s official timing system, the Overtake Mode enabled message was delivered at 20:52:08 local time, with a subsequent message confirming Overtake Mode had been disabled 28 seconds later – but after the chequered flag.
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The additional power afforded by Overtake Mode equates to a significant advantage, with multiple team sources confirming that they were impacted.
Carlos Sainz spoke critically of the issue following his elimination from the session, the Williams driver classified 22nd and last.
During SQ1, timing screens experienced issues with the start of SQ2 delayed as the FIA investigated.
It subsequently issued an update advising: “Start of SQ2 will be delayed due to an issue with timing systems, some lap times had not been registered.
“That is now resolved and the current timings are considered correct. We are investigating whether we can proceed with the rest of the session.”
Confirmation of a restart time of 21:11 local time followed five minutes later.
However, with SQ1 concluded, six drivers had been eliminated, including Esteban Ocon, Arvid Lindblad, Lance Stroll, Alex Albon, Sergio Perez, Valtteri Bottas, and Sainz.
A statement issued by the FIA after the session acknowledged the error: “During the first period of Sprint Qualifying there was a human error in Race Control unrelated to the timing issue also encountered in SQ1.
“This issue in question meant Overtake Mode was not available after the red flag period during SQ1.
“When it became apparent that Overtake Mode was not active after the restart, it was then activated for a period of 27 seconds before being deactivated again.
“The FIA acknowledges that this unfortunate human error had an impact on the performance of certain cars based on the timing of their run and their position around the lap.
“The second and third periods of Sprint Qualifying were not affected.”
This is a developing story. This article will be added to.
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