Formula 1, Sportrik Media - Andrea Kimi Antonelli of Mercedes received a time penalty after colliding with Isack Hadjar during the Sprint Race at the Chinese Grand Prix 2026 in Shanghai. The aftermath drew criticism from Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff, who described Hadjar’s reaction after the race as unsportsmanlike.
A poor launch from the front row dropped Antonelli into the midfield on the opening lap. Attempting a move on the inside of Hadjar’s Red Bull Racing at Turn 6, the Italian driver locked up under braking as the tyres were still cold. The contact struck the right side of the RB22, leaving Hadjar with damage that compromised his race and ultimately resulted in a 15th-place finish.
Race stewards handed Antonelli a 10-second time penalty for the incident. The sanction was served during his pit stop under the Safety Car triggered by an incident involving Nico Hulkenberg. Despite the penalty, the Mercedes rookie managed to recover and crossed the line in fifth position in the Sprint classification.
Following the race in parc fermé, Antonelli approached Hadjar’s car to offer an apology. The gesture appeared to be rejected, as Hadjar did not visibly accept the handshake, a moment that Wolff later highlighted when discussing the incident with broadcasters.
“Kimi forgot to activate the correct mode. He didn’t have the boost, and if you are in the wrong mode you simply cannot get away,” Wolff told Sky Germany.
“It was clearly his mistake. I think the 10-second penalty is still quite tough. In the end he also cost Hadjar the race.”
The incident added tension to the Sprint contest in Shanghai and highlighted the challenges faced by drivers managing systems and tyre temperatures in the early stages of the race. With the main Chinese Grand Prix still to follow, both drivers will look to reset and maximise points as the Formula 1 weekend continues at the Shanghai International Circuit.
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