F1 drivers reveal safety car blunder as Max Verstappen is ‘confused’ by errors

After the Formula 1 Qatar Grand Prix at the Lusail International Circuit, several drivers confirmed a safety car malfunction, leaving them confused and in an important part of the race. The error occurred during a race already marked by chaos and marked by multiple safety car deployments following incidents including punctures involving drivers Lewis Hamilton and Carlos Sainz.

During the cool-down phase of the race, a discussion between Max Verstappen, Charles Leclerc and Oscar Piastri brought the problem to light. “The lights on the safety car didn’t go out!” said Piastri. This issue, coupled with the intensity of the race, added to the confusion as drivers moved around the track. Piastri also noted complications during the second safety car deployment, explaining: “The second one, when we all went into the last corner, I had no idea what was going to happen…”

Historically, the Lusail International Circuit, which joined the Formula 1 calendar in 2021, is known for its high-speed corners and sophisticated lighting. These conditions, coupled with the disrupted racing due to the safety cars, made it a difficult race for many. Max Verstappen, world champion with four draws, admitted his confusion.

“Yes, they were broken!” he confirmed. “That’s why I was confused. I thought, “What should I do?”

“Of course I knew they were going out. I knew they were out, but in some ways they were still active…”

Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc of Ferrari expressed his disbelief: “We asked ourselves, what was going on with the safety car?”

1. Max Verstappen, Red Bull

2. Charles Leclerc, Ferrari

3. Oscar Piastri, McLaren

4. George Russell, Mercedes

5. Pierre Gasly, Alpine

6. Carlos Sainz, Ferrari

7. Fernando Alonso, Aston Martin

8. Zhou Guanyu, Clean

9. Kevin Magnussen, Haas

10. Lando Norris, McLaren

11. Valtteri Bottas, Sauber

12. Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes

13. Yuki Tsunoda, VCARB

14. Liam Lawson, VCARB

15. Alex Albon, Williams

16. Nico Hülkenberg, Haas – DNF

17. Sergio Perez, Red Bull – DNF

18. Lance Stroll, Aston Martin – DNF

19. Franco Colapinto, Williams – DNF

20. Esteban Ocon, Alpine – DNF