Formula 1, Sportrik Media - Kimi Antonelli has been summoned by the stewards of the FIA after appearing to impede Lando Norris during sprint qualifying for the 2026 Chinese Grand Prix at the Shanghai International Circuit.
The incident occurred during SQ2 when the Mercedes driver was cruising through Turn 1 while Norris, driving for McLaren, approached the corner on what appeared to be a push lap.
Norris was forced to take evasive action to avoid a potential collision, which compromised his lap and forced him to abandon the attempt before going around again.
The British driver immediately reported the incident over team radio, prompting race control to note the situation during the session. Shortly afterwards, the matter was upgraded to a formal post-session investigation by the stewards.
Despite the disruption, both drivers progressed to SQ3 for the eight-minute shootout that will determine the grid for the sprint race. Antonelli finished second fastest in SQ2 behind team-mate George Russell, while Norris ended the session sixth.
If the stewards determine that Antonelli impeded Norris, the standard penalty would be a three-place grid drop for the sprint race. However, if the incident is judged to have been particularly dangerous, the Italian rookie could face a five-place grid penalty.
Given that the situation does not appear to have been an intentional act of blocking, the lesser penalty is considered the more likely outcome pending the stewards’ final decision.
Gasly investigation after Verstappen radio outburst
In a separate incident during the same session, Pierre Gasly has also been placed under investigation following an encounter with Max Verstappen.
The Alpine driver appeared to be moving slowly on the racing line as Verstappen approached on a hot lap in his Red Bull Racing car near the final chicane.
Verstappen was forced to take sharp evasive action, running wide and across the gravel before returning to the track as Gasly passed him shortly afterwards.
“That Alpine is on the racing line out of the last hairpin. It’s ridiculous,” Verstappen said over team radio.
Despite the moment, Verstappen managed to progress to SQ3 in ninth position, just ahead of team-mate Isack Hadjar.
Race officials confirmed that the Gasly-Verstappen incident will also be reviewed by the stewards. If Gasly is found guilty of impeding, the standard penalty would be a three-place grid drop for the sprint race.
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