Flag mix-up irks fans
While New Zealanders celebrated Brendon Hartley’s Formula One debut at the US Grand Prix, event broadcasters confused television audiences by displaying the Australian flag beside the Kiwi’s name.
Hartley, New Zealand’s first Formula One driver in 33 years, completed the second 90-minute practice session with the 17th fastest time after earlier being 14th fastest in opening practice.
At the conclusion of the first practice session, the 14th-placed Toro Rosso driver’s name was displayed alongside various other racers placed from 11th to 19th by event broadcaster Sky Sports UK.
However, the British broadcasters placed the similarlooking Australian flag beside the 27-year-old’s name, causing irate New Zealand viewers to highlight the mix-up on social media.
According to the Express, Sky commentator David Croft read out a tweet from a user named ALI, who stated they were “disgusted that #SkyF1 is using an Australian flag for Brendon Hartley’s graphic”.
Croft initially tried to distance himself from the issue, before stating that he did not know the difference between the New Zealand and Australian flags.
“I’ve no idea the difference between the Australia and New Zealand [flag] which is why I didn’t spot it myself,” he said. “Wait, I have an answer for you. Our director at the track says the Australian flag has red stars and the New Zealand flag has white stars, there is your difference.”