Overview
- Race control issued two red flags after a marshal reported movement at a cover before Turn 17, then ended the session under red-flag conditions.
- FIA officials on site observed the cover moving as cars passed and said further inspections were underway.
- No cars were reported damaged, but the stoppages denied most drivers representative laps on the softest tyres.
- Carlos Sainz said the repeat problem "doesn’t bring me very good memories," referencing the 2023 incident that damaged his car and triggered a grid penalty.
- The incident was not shown on the FOM-controlled world feed, and F1 Academy qualifying later proceeded after a brief delay without issues.