George Russell, Kimi Antonelli Escape Punishment After Rule Breach at Vegas GP Qualifying

Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images

George Russell, Kimi Antonelli Escape Punishment After Rule Breach at Vegas GP Qualifying

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Arman Khan | Last updated Nov 22, 2025 2:39 AM ET

Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula 1 Team faced a late scare during Las Vegas Grand Prix qualifying after stewards launched an investigation into both drivers, George Russell and Kimi Antonelli, over a potential breach of setup sheet submission rules.

According to the official FIA documents, teams are required to electronically submit setup sheets for each car within a specified timeframe.

The FIA reported that the documents for Car 63 (Russell) and Car 12 (Antonelli) were not received in time, triggering an alleged breach of Article 40.1 of the FIA Formula One Sporting Regulations.

George Russell at the Drivers' Press Conference during previews ahead of the 2025 F1 Grand Prix of Las Vegas. Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images

However, after hearing from the team, the stewards ruled no further action would be taken.

FIA's Official Report

The FIA clarified that Mercedes did send the setup information via email and provided timestamped proof. Due to an IT security issue, the documents were not received by the FIA’s system at the correct time, ultimately clearing the team of fault.

“Although the FIA did not receive the setup sheet electronically in the specified time, the team was able to demonstrate to the satisfaction of the Stewards, with copies of the relevant emails, that the sheet had been emailed to the appropriate FIA department, but due to some IT security issue, it was not received in the specified time.”

Andrea Kimi Antonelli answers questions in the TV media pen during qualifying ahead of the 2025 F1 Grand Prix of Las Vegas. Photo by Jayce Illman/Getty Images

With the investigation closed, Mercedes avoids any sporting consequences in what continues to be a tense and unpredictable Las Vegas GP weekend.

As focus shifts to the Grand Prix, both Russell and Antonelli can fully concentrate on the race, relieved of any regulatory setbacks.

Las Vegas GP Starting Grid

Lando Norris secured the Pole position ahead of Max Verstappen (P2) and Carlos Sainz (P3) after the Qualifying results. Meanwhile, George Russell (P4) and Oscar Piastri (P5) qualified in the top 5 positions.

Pole position qualifier Lando Norris, second-placed Max Verstappen, and third-placed Carlos Sainz at the 2025 Las Vegas Grand Prix Qualifying. Photo by Jordan McKean - Formula 1/Formula 1 via Getty Images

Remaining Grid:

Liam Lawson (P6)
Fernando Alonso (P7)
Isack Hadjar (P8)
Charles Leclerc (P9)
Pierre Gasly (P10)
Nico Hulkenberg (P11)
Lance Stroll (P12)
Esteban Ocon (P13)
Oliver Bearman (P14)
Franco Colapinto (P15)
Alex Albon (P16)
Kimi Antonelli (P17)
Gabriel Bortoleto (P18)
Yuki Tsunoda (P19)
Lewis Hamilton (P20)

As the 2025 title fight gets more intense, Norris can expect Verstappen to charge in soon after lights out in Vegas. Meanwhile, Piastri will look to give it all to score maximum points in hopes of having a more realistic chance of winning this season.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: