The FIA has confirmed that a human error was responsible for a software-related issue during the Singapore Grand Prix sprint qualifying session. The problem specifically involved the incorrect activation of Overtake Mode following a red flag in the first sprint qualifying segment (SQ1).
During SQ1, the session was interrupted by a red flag after Sergio Perez hit the barrier at Turn 5, damaging his front wing and forcing a temporary halt. When the session resumed, several drivers experienced lap times not being registered, alongside reports of reduced power from their cars. The FIA clarified that this was not due to a software bug but rather a human error concerning the activation of Overtake Mode.
Overtake Mode was mistakenly left disabled after the red flag and then briefly activated for 27 seconds before being turned off again. This sequence affected the performance of some cars depending on their timing on the track and position during the session. Drivers impacted included Carlos Sainz of Williams, Kimi Antonelli, Charles Leclerc, and both Aston Martin drivers. The second and third sprint qualifying periods were not affected by this issue.
The incident highlighted how a relatively small operational mistake can influence the fairness and outcome of a qualifying session. Carlos Sainz and other drivers noted the impact on their lap times and car performance, although no specific performance losses were officially detailed. The FIA acknowledged the mistake and its effect on the session but did not announce any penalties or corrective actions beyond this acknowledgment.
This situation followed an earlier glitch in the timing and scoring system during the same sprint qualifying session, which caused some lap times not to be displayed properly. Together, these errors added complexity to the session but were isolated to SQ1, with no reported issues in the subsequent sprint qualifying periods.
The FIA’s explanation underlines the challenges of managing complex software systems in Formula 1® and the importance of precise operational procedures during race weekends. While the error affected several drivers and teams, it was confirmed to be unintentional and not related to any systemic software failure.
Overall, the clarification from the FIA provides transparency about the nature of the issue and reassures that the integrity of the sprint qualifying format remains intact. The incident serves as a reminder of the fine margins and technical intricacies involved in modern Formula 1® sessions.