By Bradley Shahenza
Red-Flag Controversy: What Hamilton Is Being Investigated For
The red flag in question was triggered early in FP3 when Liam Lawson crashed at Turn 7, damaging the barrier and halting running. Hamilton, returning to the pits under red-flag conditions, was seen accelerating past Lawson’s stationary car before reaching pit lane. Autosport+2Motorsport+2
Under Article 37.6 of the FIA’s sporting regulations, drivers are required to immediately slow down and proceed cautiously to the pitlane once a red flag is deployed. Autosport The stewards summoned Hamilton to explain the maneuver late in the afternoon, warning that a grid penalty could be imposed if a breach is confirmed. Autosport+1
However, after detailed review of telemetry, lap data, video footage, and driver testimony, the stewards cleared Hamilton of wrongdoing. They concluded that while he “appeared to be travelling at a notably high speed,” his lap times remained above the minimum threshold required under red-flag conditions. Therefore, no penalty will be applied. Motorsport
The decision ensures Hamilton’s qualifying efforts remain intact — but the investigation added drama and distraction ahead of one of F1’s most unpredictable venues.
Verstappen Leads Practice, Qualifying Looms Large
Verstappen’s top time of 1:30.148 in the final practice session was enough to claim first place, riding the razor’s edge of performance with many rivals breathing down his neck. SI+2Sky Sports+2 Piastri was second, George Russell third, Kimi Antonelli fourth, and Lando Norris rounding out the top five — all within 0.089 seconds of the leader. Sky Sports+1
That kind of clustering suggests minimal margin for error heading into qualifying, where track evolution, tire usage, traffic, and timing could swing poles by mere hundredths.
What Qualifying and the Grid Could Look Like
As the Singapore qualifying session opened, all eyes were on whether Hamilton’s cleared status would give him peace of mind or if residual uncertainty would hamper performance. Meanwhile, Verstappen remains in strong form and has now shown serious pace at a track historically more challenging for Red Bull. RacingNews365+2Sky Sports+2
However, despite topping FP3, Verstappen did not ultimately clinch pole — George Russell managed to lock in P1 in qualifying with an exceptional lap, putting pressure on all challengers. ESPN.com+1 Verstappen qualified second, with Piastri third and Hamilton slotting into sixth on the grid. Wikipedia+2ESPN.com+2
The outcome reflects the razor-thin margins in modern F1 — even small missteps or traffic interference can cost multiple positions.
Implications for Hamilton, Verstappen & the Title Race
For Hamilton, being cleared is a relief — a penalty would have seriously compromised his race weekend. But he cannot rest easy: any future red-flag/session misjudgment will likely draw harsher scrutiny.
For Verstappen, his performance in FP3 and strong qualifying remains a statement. He’s showing he can run with the fastest even on circuits less friendly to his car, which is critical as he chases title rivals like Piastri and Norris.
Qualifying in Singapore so often dictates race outcome: the narrow street track allows little overtaking, so grid position is more important than usual. Russell’s surprise pole gives Mercedes a strong shot at leading into Turn 1 — but with Verstappen behind and the championship fight intense, nothing is secure.
Looking Ahead to the Race
- Race strategy & tire management: tire wear and pit windows will likely be decisive, especially given the heat and humidity under lights.
- Start & first laps: with minimal opportunity for passing, getting a clean launch will be key.
- Reliability: any mechanical misstep or braking failure could be magnified in Singapore’s unforgiving walls.
Hamilton will be watching the stewards closely, Verstappen will be eyeing supremacy in a track he’s yet to conquer fully, and the rest of the field will be scrambling for advantage in qualifying’s wake.
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Source BBC News
