Oscar PIastri in Singapore GP - Race Pictures

Punishment revealed as 'McLaren mechanics caught' red-handed

17:48, 12 Oct

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byNorberto Mujica

F1 expert Ralf Schumacher, claims McLaren mechanics were caught breaking the law in Singapore.

The McLaren mechanics were probably caught. They also had to pay a high fine.

- Ralf Schumacher

Speaking during the podcast produced by Sky Sports Germany, Schumacher admitted he wasn't the city's biggest fan.

He said: "Well, I'm not a city person, so that's of course a bit of an issue.

"That's [the city] great on the one hand, but for me it's nothing. I wouldn't want to live there, but it's interesting."

He then claimed that the act of vaping (smoking electronic cigarettes), was illegal in Singapore, a fun little bit of trivia McLaren mechanics were not aware of, but who would soon find out for themselves.

Schumacher continued: "However, we have a huge city where you're not really allowed to do anything. Not even vaping. You get a fine for that. The McLaren mechanics were probably caught. They also had to pay a high fine.

"You get the feeling that it's a city-state. I have to say, I don't like it. To be honest. It has a certain hardness."

Ralf Schumacher in the F1 paddock. Photo source: RacePictures.

Ralf Schumacher claims McLaren's mechanics were caught breaking Singaporean law. Photo: RacePictures.

Nevertheless, the six-time Grand Prix winner did eventually open his eyes to the beauty of Singapore, something he could not have done without the help of Formula One.

He added: "But it's special somehow. I have to say, the race, the atmosphere is great. It was sold out again and the people are enthusiastic motorsport fans. Funnily enough, some people still knew me on the way to the track.

"At least the fans, in contrast to Malaysia or China, where Formula 1 is difficult in terms of fan technology, you have the feeling that Formula 1 has arrived."

Schumacher drops hot Mercedes-Russell rumour

According to the German F1 expert, George Russell would be inclined to ask Mercedes team principal and CEO, Toto Wolff - the British driver's former manager and current advisor as well - to step down from the role the Austrian plays in his entourage.

Furthermore, during Sky Germany's broadcast of the Singapore GP, Schumacher managed to get the Austrian chief to confirm that both incumbent Mercedes drivers, Russell and Andrea Kimi Antonelli, would stay on with the team in 2026 as well.

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