Formula 1, Sportrik Media - Kimi Antonelli has been cleared by Formula 1 stewards following an investigation into an incident involving Lando Norris during Sprint Qualifying at the 2026 Chinese Grand Prix in Shanghai.
The Mercedes driver had initially secured second place behind team-mate George Russell, but his result remained provisional after being summoned to the stewards for allegedly blocking Norris at Turn 1 during the SQ2 session.
The situation occurred when Antonelli exited the pit lane and moved onto the racing line while the McLaren driver approached from behind. Norris was forced to abandon his lap attempt, although both drivers ultimately progressed into the final qualifying segment.
Antonelli finished Sprint Qualifying one position ahead of Norris on the road. However, after reviewing the evidence and hearing statements from both drivers, the stewards concluded that Norris was not on a full push lap at the time of the incident.
“The driver of Car 1 (Lando Norris) told us that he was on a ‘pushing warm-up lap’ and not on a push lap,” the stewards explained in their official verdict.
“In other words, he was not actively seeking to set a meaningful lap time when Car 12 (Kimi Antonelli) came out of the pit lane and onto the track.”
“Had Car 1 been on a push lap then, given the position of Car 12 on the track, Car 12 would have unnecessarily impeded Car 1.”
“In light of the clear position taken by the driver of Car 1 that he was not impeded by Car 12 as he was not seeking to set a meaningful lap time, we took no further action.”
The ruling confirms Antonelli’s front-row starting position for the Sprint race remains unchanged. The Sprint result is expected to play a significant role in shaping the competitive order between Mercedes, Ferrari, and Red Bull Racing as the Chinese Grand Prix weekend continues in Shanghai.
Photo Gallery
Read Also
Lewis Hamilton questions Ferrari’s decision to remove its experimental “Macarena” rear wing before Sprint Qualifying at the 2026 Chinese Grand Prix.
Max Verstappen calls Red Bull’s Sprint Qualifying at the 2026 Chinese Grand Prix a disaster after grip and balance issues left him eighth in Shanghai.
George Russell secures Sprint pole for the 2026 Chinese Grand Prix but warns Ferrari could threaten Mercedes at the start after Charles Leclerc’s Melbourne charge.
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!