In a bizarre twist during Formula 1's final practice session in Singapore, a large lizard caused a red flag suspension, leaving drivers and viewers in stitches. Here's the hilarious tale of how a cold-blooded reptile brought the high-octane race to a standstill.
As the final practice session for the Singapore Grand Prix commenced on Saturday, the unexpected occurred: a rogue lizard nonchalantly strolled onto the circuit, forcing race control to halt proceedings with a red flag.
The Great Singapore Lizard Chase: Formula 1's Weirdest Red Flag Ever
Aston Martin driver Fernando Alonso, known for his fearlessness on the track, became a reluctant wildlife whisperer when he reported seeing the large lizard in the middle of the track. The sighting, as bizarre as it may sound, was not uncommon considering Singapore's abundant lizard population drawn to the warm asphalt.
Two marshals, armed with a plastic bag and determination, ventured onto the track to apprehend the elusive reptile. However, the lizard proved to be an agile escape artist, darting away from the marshals' grasp. Red Bull racer Daniel Ricciardo couldn't help but chuckle at the amusing sight, his laughter echoing through the empty circuit.
The Great Singapore Lizard Chase: Formula 1's Weirdest Red Flag Ever
The broadcasters, too, couldn't resist adding their own commentary to the comical chase, their words painting a vivid picture of the lizard's evasive maneuvers: "The lizard is having a day right now!" and "Those back legs really hoof around, don't they?"
Despite the marshals' best efforts, the lizard continued to outsmart them, refusing to be captured and removed from the track. The delay brought about by the lizard's antics became a moment of levity amidst the intense preparations for the race.
The Great Singapore Lizard Chase: Formula 1's Weirdest Red Flag Ever
Eventually, the marshals managed to coax the lizard off the course, allowing the practice session to resume. The reptile's brief appearance had injected an unexpected element of fun into the otherwise serious proceedings.
This wasn't the first time a lizard had caused a stir on the Singapore circuit. In 2016, during the final practice session, another lizard scurried onto the track, earning the nickname "Godzilla" from Max Verstappen's race engineer, Gianpiero Lambiase.
As qualifying commenced later that Saturday and the race is set for Sunday, the tale of the great Singapore lizard chase will undoubtedly be recounted as a memorable and amusing footnote in the annals of Formula 1 history.
