SINGAPORE, Oct 10 — Formula One’s governing body, the FIA, has admitted that human error in race control caused some drivers to have less engine power than others during Friday’s sprint qualifying session for the Singapore Grand Prix, reported Xinhua.

The problem occurred after a red flag in the opening session (SQ1), caused by Sergio Perez damaging the front wing of his Cadillac, and affected drivers differently depending on their position on the track and the timing of their flying laps.

The FIA said overtake mode, which allows drivers to use additional electrical energy, was automatically disabled during the stoppage but was not immediately reactivated when the session resumed.

Officials subsequently enabled the mode for 27 seconds before switching it off again, leaving some drivers with a power advantage over their rivals.