Formula 1, Sportrik Media - Isack Hadjar received an official warning from the stewards following an investigation ahead of the Sprint race at the Formula 1 Chinese Grand Prix 2026 at the Shanghai International Circuit.
The French driver, part of the Red Bull Racing program, was summoned by the stewards for failing to follow the race director’s instructions regarding the procedure for practice starts before the Sprint race.
The incident occurred when Hadjar did not perform the practice start in the designated position outlined in the race director’s competition notes. According to the stewards’ report, car #6 failed to fully cross the white line separating the pit exit road from the racing track as required.
After reviewing video footage and onboard camera evidence, the stewards concluded that the breach did not create an immediate safety risk to other cars performing practice starts or drivers already on track.
“Car 6 did not fully cross the white line separating the Pit Exit Road from the track and therefore was in breach of the instructions,” the stewards’ report stated.
Hadjar explained during the hearing that the situation resulted from confusion regarding the various track markings visible before the start procedure.
“The driver explained that it was a mistake on his part and that he was confused by the different lines on the track,” the report continued.
Because the incident did not pose a direct danger, the stewards decided to issue only a warning, aligning the decision with previous precedents for similar cases.
During the Sprint race itself, Hadjar started from 10th position but finished 15th after sustaining significant damage following contact with Andrea Kimi Antonelli on the opening lap. The damage affected the performance of his car throughout the remainder of the race.
Read Also
Alpine was fined €5,000 after Pierre Gasly’s car left the pit with an antenna shield still attached before the Chinese Grand Prix Sprint 2026.
Charles Leclerc described a “very scary moment” after nearly spinning during the safety car restart in the Chinese Grand Prix Sprint 2026.
Max Verstappen criticized Red Bull after failing to score in the Sprint race at the Formula 1 Chinese Grand Prix 2026 in Shanghai.
Continue with Google
Discussion (0)
Join the Discussion!
Sign in easily to start commenting, replying, and interacting with other readers.
Latest Comments
No comments yet. Be the first!