Technical issue leads to misleading images: this caused social media backlash in China

Photo: Race Pictures

14:50, 13 Mar

byKada Sarkozi

Fans on social media posted images showing that Kimi Antonelli's Mercedes was travelling at a speed inconsistent with the highly criticized "super clipping". GPblog explains what happened in Shanghai.

Formula 1 fans shared images on social media from Antonelli’s SQ3 onboard showing the broadcast display reading 325 kph even as the car began "super clipping".

It was suspected online that the broadcast purposefully manipulated how quickly Antonelli’s speed dropped. That was not the case, GPblog has learned.

This website understands that due to a weak point in the telemetry at Turn 14, the displayed number froze.

Photo: Race Pictures

Russell tops Sprint Qualifying in Shanghai

Mercedes claimed a one-two finish in Sprint Qualifying after another dominant display by George Russell. Lando Norris rounded off the top three in Shanghai, finishing ahead of Lewis Hamilton and his teammate Oscar Piastri.

Max Verstappen and Red Bull Racing had a difficult day in China. The Dutchman only qualified in eighth place.