Piastri takes fourth on Singapore sprint grid amid race-control error
Max Verstappen claimed pole ahead of George Russell, while the FIA said an electrical boost setting was mistakenly disabled during qualifying.
Oscar Piastri qualified fourth for the 21-lap Singapore sprint, with Max Verstappen taking pole in a session affected by a race-control mistake involving electrical power settings.
George Russell was Verstappen’s closest challenger, trailing by 0.120 seconds. Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc took third. Behind Australian Piastri, McLaren’s Lando Norris qualified fifth, followed by Lewis Hamilton for Ferrari and championship leader Kimi Antonelli.
The FIA said human error left drivers unable to use the electrical boost known as overtake mode following a short red-flag interruption during the opening qualifying segment. Race control subsequently enabled the setting for 27 seconds, then disabled it once more.
The governing body said the mistake affected some cars, with the impact depending on their location on the circuit and when their runs took place. James Vowles, Williams team principal, said it helped cause both Williams drivers’ early exits. Alex Albon finished 19th, while Carlos Sainz, Jr. was 22nd.
Verstappen escaped a penalty following a stewards’ inquiry into a possible pass on Hamilton under yellow flags. Separately, Russell must start the main race at the back after taking a new power unit.
