The mystery of an eagle shadow, that left viewers confused and concerned about an invasion of giant birds during the United States Grand Prix, has been solved after Formula 1 admitted it was added via CGI.
The shadow flew over the circuit, following Toro Rosso's Daniil Kvyat, before disappearing off screen. The size of the shadow, which was twice the size of Kvyat's car, left some viewers second guessing whether they had actually seen it.
F1 often uses CGI to add in sponsor logos and messages on the track, but this is the first time such an object has – one that moves – has been added to a live broadcast.
"Was it a bird? Was it a plane? Who spotted our virtual friend flying over @COTA on Sunday?" read a Twitter post from the official F1 account.
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![Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri [McLaren] celebrate their 1-2 finish at the 2025 F1 Austrian GP](https://www.motorsportweek.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Lando-Norris-Oscar-Piastri-McLaren-F1-2025-1-350x250.webp)
