The FIA has pushed back the start of qualifying for the Singapore Grand Prix after Saturday’s rain-disrupted Sprint ran beyond its scheduled finish, forcing a change to the evening timetable at Marina Bay.
Qualifying had been due to begin at 9:00pm local time, but will now get underway at 9:30pm (2:30pm UK time – 3:30pm CET), following the extended proceedings earlier in the day.
A heavy downpour swept across the Marina Bay Street Circuit just 15 minutes before the Sprint’s scheduled 5:00pm start, leaving standing water in parts of the track and prompting officials to delay the race by 30 minutes while conditions were assessed.
The Sprint eventually got underway at 5:30pm, with drivers tackling the mixed conditions on intermediate tyres.
The race was then interrupted by a series of incidents, including George Russell’s crash, a collision between Lance Stroll and Sergio Perez, and technical problems that forced Isack Hadjar and Franco Colapinto out of contention.
The Safety Car remained on track for five laps following the opening-lap chaos, further extending the event. The chequered flag was not waved until 6:16pm, with Max Verstappen taking victory ahead of Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc.
The delay to qualifying stems from the mandatory interval between the end of the Sprint and the start of the next competitive session.
Under Formula 1’s sporting regulations, at least three hours must separate the Sprint’s conclusion from the start of qualifying. With the race finishing later than originally planned, the FIA had to adjust the evening schedule accordingly.
The revised 9:30pm start gives teams additional time to prepare their cars after the Sprint, although the disruption adds another complication to an already weather-affected Saturday in Singapore.
With qualifying determining the grid for Sunday’s Grand Prix, teams will now have to adapt to the revised timetable as they prepare for a crucial session under the Marina Bay lights.
Singapore Grand Prix: Sprint Race Results
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