Counting the days until major F1 change finally happens after two poor incidents in a week

What a terrible week it has been for these much-maligned Formula One engines. As if the mess that stopped several cars on the formation lap in Malaysia last week wasn't embarrassing enough, another gremlin struck on Friday in Singapore. And this time it actually brought the integrity of F1 as a sporting competition into question.

The FIA admitted several cars were "disadvantaged" by a problem during the first part of qualifying for Saturday's Sprint race at the Marina Bay Circuit. Overtake Mode, the gimmick that replaced DRS with this new ruleset, was not activated again after Sergio Perez crashed and briefly brought the session to a halt.

Someone noticed that and turned it back on, only for it to be switched back off again 27 seconds later. In a sport with such fine margins, though, that was more than enough time for some to enjoy the extra boost of battery power while others who didn't happen to be on a timed lap couldn't.

The FIA said this was a "human error" but didn't explain why, knowing it was unfair on some teams, they decided to just press on with the rest of Sprint qualifying yesterday. At least in Malaysia nobody had their race ruined by the problem that occurred.

As Carlos Sainz, one of those 'disadvantaged' drivers, put it on Friday: "For whatever reason, the FIA didn't decide, like in Malaysia, to do sporting equity. I'm a bit confused why the sport keeps doing different things based on who is out in Q1."

You and me both, amigo.

Mistakes happen, but there's no denying this one wouldn't have if these engines just weren't so frustratingly overcomplicated. And for two engine problems to bite within the space of less than a week has again made a mockery of what is supposed to be the pinnacle of motorsport.

There is not a single person I know in the paddock who isn't counting down the days until we can get rid of these ill-conceived engines. Sadly, we're still a few years away from that glorious moment.

Mercedes developing their way into trouble

It turns out the biggest threat to Mercedes' title charge is themselves. It was all going swimmingly for the Silver Arrows until their Malaysia 'upgrade' which has actually made their car horrible to drive.

Kimi Antonelli said as much after a terrible day in Singapore on Friday while George Russell, using the older spec, was five grid positions and more than half-a-second better off in Sprint qualifying.

Other than their unreliable engines, it's mostly been plain sailing for Mercedes up to now. So, apart from those new power units, which are one their way for the United States Grand Prix later this month, maybe their best route to the title is by doing nothing at all on the development front.

From the archive

Ferrari can't do worse here than they did in 2017, when both Sebastian Vettel and Kimi Raikkonen were involved in a first-lap tangle involving Max Verstappen which took both the red cars out of the race.

Fast fact

Each of the last three pole-sitters in Singapore have gone on to win the race, which bodes well for Max Verstappen in today's Sprint and whoever qualifies best for tomorrow's main event.

Inside track

Aston Martin's 2025 accounts showed Lance Stroll was paid $12million (just over £9m) in 2025 - a hell of a salary for someone with 101 career Q1 exits in qualifying and zero points so far this year. Nice work, if you can get it.

Big moments. Packed grandstands. A championship battle that's heating up.

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