Formula 1 was hit by what can only be described as “the strangest red flag ever” during the third and final practice session ahead of the Singapore Grand Prix on Sunday.
It all came to light when Aston Martin driver Fernando Alonso radioed in during practice on Saturday that he had seen a large lizard in the middle of the track.
Fernando Alonso of Spain, driving the Aston Martin AMR24 Mercedes (car number 14), overtakes a lizard on the track during final practice for the Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix at the Marina Bay Street Circuit in Singapore on September 21, 2024. (Rudy Carezzevoli/Getty Images)
Race control then red flagged the race to allow marshals to remove the lizard from the track.
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Two marshals were sent out to remove the lizard from the course – one was given a plastic bag and tried to scoop up the reptile, but it proved a difficult task.
Unsurprisingly, the lizard wasn't very cooperative and ran away from the marshals, much to Red Bull racer Daniel Ricciardo's amusement as he laughed at the spectacle.
The announcers provided a hilarious commentary as the sheriff pursued the lizard.
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A track marshal chases a lizard off the track during final practice for the Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix at Marina Bay Street Circuit in Singapore on September 21, 2024. (Rudy Carezzevoli/Getty Images)
“The lizard is having a great day right now!”
“Those hind legs really get around.”
The aggressive reptile was eventually removed from the course and the race resumed shortly after the lizard had delayed the race.
The lizards are a common animal on the island of Singapore and as they are attracted to warmer areas, the asphalt on which the racers run retains heat, allowing them to visit the track frequently.
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A lizard walks onto the track during final practice for the Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix at the Marina Bay Street Circuit in Singapore on September 21, 2024. (Rudy Carezzevoli/Getty Images)
This is not the first time a lizard has been spotted on the Singapore track – in 2016 another reptile appeared on the track during final practice and was given the nickname “Godzilla” by Max Verstappen's race engineer Giampiero Lambiase.
Qualifying for the Singapore Grand Prix takes place on Saturday afternoon, with the race taking place on Sunday.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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