“PENALTY BLUES: Russell and Antonelli’s Bahrain Dreams Hit Roadblock”

Mercedes drivers George Russell and Kimi Antonelli have been hit with one-place grid penalties for breaching qualifying rules in the Bahrain Grand Prix. They were sent into the fast lane in the pit lane before the session restart time was confirmed after Esteban Ocon’s crash in Q2.

 

Penalties:

George Russell: Dropped from 2nd to 3rd place, starting behind Oscar Piastri and Charles Leclerc

Kimi Antonelli: Dropped from 4th to 5th place, with Pierre Gasly moving up to 4th

 

The stewards deemed the breach “unintentional and genuine mistake” by the team, but still imposed the penalties to deter future infractions. The FIA stated that releasing cars prematurely could provide a sporting advantage, particularly with limited time remaining in the session ¹ ².

 

Updated Starting Grid:

 

1. Oscar Piastri

2. Charles Leclerc

3. George Russell

4. Pierre Gasly

5. Kimi Antonelli ¹