Mercedes under investigation after incident during Australian GP qualifying
George Russell and Kimi Antonelli impressed in qualifying by finishing first and second in Melbourne, but they could yet face punishment.
Mercedes have reportedly been summoned to the stewards after sending Kimi Antonelli’s car out to the track in an “unsafe condition” during Australian Grand Prix qualifying.
On Saturday (7 March), the first qualifying session of the 2026 F1 campaign took place at the Albert Park Circuit in Melbourne, Australia, with Mercedes duo George Russell and Antonelli going fastest and securing pole and second on the grid ahead of tomorrow’s season opener.
However, as reported by Motorsport, it has since emerged that Mercedes have been summoned to the stewards for allegedly sending Antonelli’s car out to the track in an “unsafe condition” in Q3.
The Italian teenager had earlier been involved in an ugly crash during the final practice session after losing control of the car before hitting the barrier at Turn 2.
Antonelli, who is taking part in just his second F1 campaign, was checked by medical staff before being cleared to compete in qualifying.
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Then, in Q3, Antonelli caused a red flag due to cooling fans being left on the W17 car before one broke off and flew away near Turn 1. The other came off on the approach to Turn 3, which caused McLaren’s Lando Norris to run over and destroy it.
The Brit could be heard asking his team if this had damaged his car, despite no impact being visible.
Following the action, a stewards’ report was released which read: “Alleged breach of Article B1.6.2 b) i) of the FIA F1 regulations: releasing an F1 car from a garage in an unsafe condition.”
According to Motorsport, any potential punishment would likely be financial rather than directly impacting the Australian Grand Prix or Mercedes’ drivers.
Speaking after the final qualifying session, Antonelli said: “It’s been a very, very stressful day,
“Unfortunately in FP3 I went into the wall, but the guys, the mechanics, today were the heroes to put the car back on track.
“We couldn’t even set up the car, we just went out and just managed to put it on the front row. So I’m really happy with that.”
Australian Grand Prix fastest qualifying times
George Russell (Mercedes) – 1:18.518
Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes) – +0.293
Isack Hadjar (Red Bull) – +0.785
Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) – +0.809
Oscar Piastri (McLaren) – +0.862
Lando Norris (McLaren) – +0.957
Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari) – +0.960
Liam Lawson (Racing Bulls) – +1.476
Arvid Lindblad (Racing Bulls) – +2.729
Topics: Formula 1, Mercedes, Motorsport
Luke Davies