Perez and Stroll Reflect on Singapore Sprint Clash After Early Exit
Both drivers suffered a first‑lap crash in the Singapore Sprint, prompting a stewards investigation and a candid post‑race interview.
During the opening lap of the 2026 Singapore GP Sprint, a collision involving Sergio Perez of Red Bull and Lance Stroll of Aston Martin sent both cars into the barriers, ending their race in a single moment. The incident, which took place on the tight, high‑speed Marina Bay Street Circuit, sparked an immediate investigation by the FIA stewards. Both drivers, who had been leading the sprint at the start, were forced to retire before the first corner, leaving the race to the other competitors.
In a post‑race interview, Perez expressed frustration at the lack of clarity surrounding the collision. "I was in the right place and the other car was in the wrong place," he said, according to Formula1.com. Stroll echoed the sentiment, noting that the high‑speed nature of the circuit left little room for error. Both drivers highlighted the importance of clear communication from the race control to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The FIA’s stewards have announced that they will review the footage and the telemetry data from both cars. While no penalty has yet been handed down, the investigation will determine whether either driver or team will face a fine or grid penalty for the next race. The stewards’ decision will be released in the coming days, and teams will be keen to understand the outcome before the next round in Japan.
For Indian fans, the incident means that the sprint race will not be broadcast on FanCode India, as the event was cancelled after the crash. The main Singapore GP will still be available on FanCode, with live commentary and replays starting at 7:30 PM IST on the 27th of September. Fans can also catch the stewards’ verdict on the official Formula 1 app and the F1 website.
Source: Formula1.com