Kevin Magnussen Sky
Sky Sports’ strange preview picture featuring Kevin Magnussen ahead of this weekend’s US Grand Prix has gone viral on social media
Sky Sports’ portrayal of Magnussen and Mick Schumacher in Russian-sponsored uniforms has sparked fresh controversy on social media. While Magnussen has been displayed in a Moscow state uniform in what seems to be a picture where Magnussen’s head has been edited into Mazepin’s body, Schumacher has been portrayed in the old Haas uniform with former Russian sponsor UralKali visible right at the front. Haas had removed all the branding and stickers of their former Russian sponsor after the invasion of Ukraine by Vladimir Putin.
After Russia’s invasion of Ukraine earlier this year, FIA and F1 banned Russia and Belarus from hosting races for an indefinite period. The Sochi Grand Prix has was removed from the F1 calendar. Russian and Belarusian drivers were also barred from racing under their national flags. Nikita Mazepin, the only Russian driver in F1 was sacked by Haas and the US-based team has also dropped the branding of their Russian sponsors, Uralkali. Hence, this strange error from Sky Sports hasn’t gone unnoticed on social media.
The US Grand Prix is scheduled to take place this weekend from October 21-23. Sky’s preview picture includes Max Verstappen at the front and quite understandably after he was crowned the F1 World champion for the second consecutive time. Haas drivers Magnussen and Schumacher are placed on either side of Verstappen. If you are wondering why Haas drivers were chosen, it is probably because Haas are a US-based team and it is their home Grand Prix.
Let us take a look at the reactions from fans, who were quick to spot this strange error from Sky’s end.
Follow our dedicated Formula One page for instant Formula One news and updates