Two F1 drivers handed grid penalty after chaotic Bahrain GP qualifying session

Mercedes F1 duo George Russell and Kimi Antonelli have been handed grid penalty for a failure to follow the race director’s instructions during qualifying for the Bahrain Grand Prix.

Russell, 27, and Antonelli, 18, were the subjects of an 'investigation' by the FIA following an incident in qualifying for the Bahrain Grand Prix, which is set to take place on Sunday (April 13).

Mercedes secured their spot on the grid during Saturday’s qualification round but it was feared that the team made a huge error, with it alleged that the Silver Arrows failed to follow the race director’s instructions when they supposedly left the garage before resumption time had been confirmed.

This came after a red flag caused by team Haas’ Esteban Ocon, Merc released both drivers after an estimated resumption time had been announced rather than the confirmed time.

Speaking on Sky Sports F1, journalist Martin Brundle said: “That's a slap on the wrist and a fine for the team rather than a grid penalty for the drivers, you would imagine," with the official punishment still unclear.

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff explained: “There is not precedent, there's a new rule in that sense so we will see what the stewards say. I would hope it's not the drivers who are penalised for it. It was a team mistake, and we jumped the gun on it."

George Russell was pleased with his performance (Credit:Getty)

Now, the FIA have confirmed a one-place grid penalty for both Russell and Antonelli for joining the fast lane before a confirmed restart time.

It means Charles Leclerc is promoted to P2 and the grid and Pierre Gasly is promoted to P4.

Meanwhile, Lando Norris is down in sixth with F1 champion Max Verstappen in seventh with Lewis Hamilton in ninth.

"It was a really strong Q3," Russell said. "I wasn't really feeling it through qualifying, didn't have the confidence in myself. I don't know why that was.

"Q1 and Q2 were a real challenge. But Q3 I got back into my rhythm and surprised to be just 0.15secs off pole and ahead of one of the McLarens. And Charles up there as well. A really strong lap and a great place to be for tomorrow."