FIA intervenes after chaotic qualifying Singapore: Old rule returns

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FIA intervenes in rules qualifying Singapore Verstappen
21 September 2023 at 18:30
  • GPblog.com

Both Sergio Perez and Max Verstappen did not progress beyond Q2 in qualifying for the Singapore Grand Prix. During Q1, with 20 drivers on the Marina Bay Street Circuit, it was quite a chaos on the track. Every driver was looking for the perfect track position for their fast lap. FIA intervenes for Japan Grand Prix.

There was considerable chaos in qualifying for the Singapore Grand Prix last weekend. Among others, Max Verstappen got into a jam in Q1. Many drivers had to give way to fellow drivers who were working on a fast lap in qualifying. Verstappen also got in the way, and had to quickly pull over. The Dutchman ultimately received no penalty from the FIA.

FIA intervenes after Singapore

FIA race director Niels Wittich is going to apply an old rule at the second Grand Prix during the Asian leg of the Formula One calendar. Namely, drivers will be given a maximum lap time in qualifying for the race. What this lap time will be will be announced after the second free practice session at Suzuka.

This rule was also already in place during the Italian Grand Prix at Monza. This was to prevent drivers from diving into each other's slipstream.