F1 Announces Punishment for Kimi Antonelli's Mercedes After Australian GP Qualifying

Part of the equipment bounced off the track and onto the gravel at the exit, while another section became lodged on the circuit near Turn 2. The loose debris was subsequently struck by another car, causing damage to the front wing and scattering fragments across the track.

The incident required marshals to intervene and briefly yellow-flag the session so the debris could be cleared.

Kimi Antonelli Avoids Grid Penalty at Australian GP

After reviewing video footage, team radio communications, and in-car camera evidence, the stewards ruled that Mercedes had breached Article B1.6.2 b) i) of the FIA Formula 1 Sporting Regulations, which covers releasing a car in an unsafe condition.

As a result, the Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula 1 Team has been fined €7,500, as the 19-year-old driver avoids a grid penalty.

Mercedes explained to the stewards that the issue occurred during a busy repair window earlier in the session. The team stated that the damage sustained previously required urgent work on the car, which led to a change in responsibilities within the garage.

Notably, Antonelli crashed during the Free Practice 3 session earlier in the day before the qualifying.

Normally, a specific crew member is responsible for installing and removing the cooling fan. However, due to the additional repairs taking place, the mechanic assigned to the task was occupied elsewhere, and the fan was not removed before the car was released.

Both the team and Antonelli reportedly did not realize the fan remained attached until the incident was reported by Race Control.

Stewards concluded that because the car entered the track with equipment still attached, it had been released in an unsafe condition, warranting a fine for the constructor.

The decision applies only to the team, meaning Antonelli’s qualifying result remains unaffected, and he can start the race behind teammate George Russell, who secured the pole position at the 2026 Australia GP.