Monitor lizards were spotted invading the track at the Singapore Grand Prix.
At about 6:02pm, 30 minutes into Free Practice 1 (FP1) on Sep. 15, a monitor lizard was seen ambling across the track at Turn 9.
Photo via Ruth Chai
Despite being only inches away from F1 cars and their deafening engines, it did not seem perturbed as cars whizzed past.
Gif adapted from video via Ruth Chai
On the other hand, F1 drivers deliberately slowed down to try to avoid the reptile.
Yellow flags, which signal drivers to slow down, are waved when there are hazards or dangers on track.
Photo via Formula 1/Youtube
We spotted marshals trying to coax the reptile off the road from behind the metal fences and concrete barriers.
Gif adapted from video via Ruth Chai
The concrete barriers had small holes in the side which the lizard can escape via and onto the grass.
The lizard eventually made its way safely across the track, but refused to enter the hole. Instead, it trailed the concrete barriers for at least 10 metres, frustrating the marshals who were desperately trying to get it off the track.
Gif adapted from video via Ruth Chai
After about 10 minutes, the commentary announced that the lizard had been safely retrieved.
Double trouble
However, about five minutes later, a lizard was seen again at the same turn, making its way back across the track.
Photo via Ruth Chai
It is unclear whether or not it is the same lizard, but a few F1 drivers, such as George Russell, Max Verstappen and Carlos Sainz reported over the team radio that this lizard was smaller than the first one.
Photo via Formula 1/Youtube
Once, again, marshals on the other side tried to coax the lizard safely across, as yellow flags were waved.
The lizard eventually reached the other side of the track, but was stunned for a good while before ducking its head into the escape route.
"Maybe Godzilla had a kid," Verstappen's race engineer, Gianpiero Lambiase quipped when the driver reported seeing the second reptile.
Photo via Formula 1/Youtube
@mothershipsg Godzilla vs Verstappen pt. 2 #tiktoksg #sgnews #formula1 #singaporegp #singaporegp2023 ♬ original sound - Mothership
Top photo via Ruth Chai