Furious Carlos Sainz leads driver backlash over FIA human error distorts Singapore Sprint Qualifying

The Williams driver was one of several competitors affected by the incident, which was confirmed by the FIA as entirely separate from the timing system failure that had already plunged the session into chaos earlier in the evening. While the timing glitch had been attributed to an F1-managed software issue, the Overtake Mode error was firmly placed at the door of Race Control - a human mistake with measurable consequences for lap times across the field.

The incident occurred following a red flag caused by Sergio Perez crashing his Cadillac during SQ1. When the session was restarted, Overtake Mode, which provides drivers with an additional half-megajoule of energy that can be deployed for outright performance or used to generate heat in the tyres on out-laps, was not reinstated as it should have been.

Race Control only became aware of the omission once cars were already on their flying laps, briefly activating the mode for just 27 seconds before switching it off again. The result was a stark split across the field, with some drivers benefiting from the additional power and others completing their laps without it.

The FIA subsequently issued a statement acknowledging the mistake in full.

"During the first period of Sprint Qualifying there was a human error in Race Control, unrelated to the timing issue also encountered in SQ1," an FIA spokesperson confirmed. "This issue meant Overtake Mode was not available after the red flag period during SQ1. When it became apparent that Overtake Mode was not active after the restart, it was then activated for a period of 27 seconds before being deactivated again. The FIA acknowledges that this unfortunate human error had an impact on the performance of certain cars based on the timing of their run and their position around the lap. The second and third periods of Sprint Qualifying were not affected."

For Sainz, who ultimately ended the session 22nd and slowest, the error compounded an already difficult evening that had been troubled by ongoing brake problems following changes made ahead of Sprint Qualifying. But it was the broader principle of the governing body's response, rather than the personal impact, that drew his sharpest criticism.

The pointed reference to Malaysia comes after FIA's own findings into the Sepang formation lap chaos in which wet-weather software triggered an unintended power reduction across the field on the way to the grid. On that occasion too, the governing body accepted responsibility while stopping short of taking corrective action in the form of a session restart or result amendment.

Sainz's frustration reflects a growing sense within the paddock that a pattern is emerging. Singapore now represents at least the third occasion this season where a Race Control or software-related issue has materially affected competitive outcomes, joining the incorrect "Safety Car In This Lap" message broadcast during the British Grand Prix on a lengthening list of incidents that have drawn scrutiny from drivers and teams alike.

With the FIA yet to comment on the timing glitch that preceded the Overtake Mode error, and George Russell already carrying a grid penalty into the Singapore weekend due to an unrelated power unit change, the pressure on the governing body to provide clearer answers, and faster remedies, hows no sign of easing.