Ferreira handed post-Practice penalty and Block to miss Shanghai Qualifying

Following the conclusion of Free Practice in Shanghai, Rafaela Ferreira has been handed a grid penalty for both F1 ACADEMY races in Round 1.

The Racing Bulls driver was found to have caused a collision with Lia Block between Turns 13 and 14. The Stewards determined that Ferreira was weaving her car to warm the tyres on the straight between two turns, in front of Block who was on a flying lap.

When Ferreira moved left, the Williams driver attempted to pass, but the #18 car kept weaving and moved to the right and collided with Block. The Stewards deemed her wholly to blame for the collision and have assigned her a three-place grid penalty, which as of this season applies to both races.

As a result of the incident, Block’s car sustained significant damage and the American driver will not be able to participate in Round 1’s Qualifying session, which is due to start at 14:05 local time (GMT+8). However, Block will be permitted to start both races.