Kimi Antonelli Collision In Chinese GP Sprint Leaves Isack Hadjar Carrying Major Damage
Isack Hadjar was left carrying significant damage after being struck by Kimi Antonelli on the first lap of the Chinese Grand Prix Sprint, a sequence that left the French driver downbeat and ultimately finishing 15th. Earlier in the weekend he also received a formal warning from the stewards following an inquiry into a practice start infringement before the Sprint.
Collision on Lap One and Its Immediate Impact
The first-lap contact with Kimi Antonelli inflicted major damage on Hadjar’s car that he carried through the remainder of the Sprint, hampering his race and contributing to a drop from his 10th-place start to a 15th-place finish. The incident left the Frenchman visibly downbeat after an otherwise competitive weekend prior to the collision.
Stewards Issue Warning Over Practice Start Infringement
Separately, Hadjar was called before the stewards over a practice start infringement that occurred before the Sprint. The stewards’ report described the hearing process: “The Stewards heard from the driver of Car 6 (Isack Hadjar), team representative, and looked at the video and in-car video evidence. “
The report cited the Race Director’s Competition Notes (Document 31) and reiterated the procedure for cars not wishing to perform practice starts: “Cars NOT wishing to perform a practice start should leave the pit lane and MUST cross the white line separating the Pit Exit Road from the track at the earliest opportunity and join the ‘normal’ racing line. ” The panel found that Car 6 did not comply fully, crossing the white lane partially with the remaining part of the car straddling the line and the Pit Exit Road.
The driver explained the maneuver was a mistake and that he was confused by the various lines on track. The stewards concluded that while the action had the potential to create danger, “What happened did not pose a danger to either the cars performing the practice starts or any car on the track although it had the potential to do so – hence the instructions in the competition notes. In keeping with precedents for similar incidents in the past, we therefore issued a warning to the driver. ” No sporting penalty was imposed.
Race Consequences and Next Steps
Hadjar’s race result and the warning collectively shaped a difficult Sprint weekend. He started in 10th place but crossed the line in 15th, the performance affected by the damage sustained after the collision with Kimi Antonelli and the earlier procedural breach that drew stewards’ attention. The warning aligns with previous outcomes for similar practice start infringements and does not carry additional sporting penalties at this time.
With the physical damage to Hadjar’s car documented and the written warning placed on record, the immediate next steps for the team will focus on repair work and setup adjustments ahead of the main Grand Prix. The incident and the stewards’ determination close the procedural chapter of the weekend for the driver while the on-track consequence is reflected in his finishing position and the damage he endured.
