Decision Car 12 Alleged Pitlane Incident
Australian Grand Prix · 2026 · 7 March 2026 · Doc 35
- Driver
- Kimi Antonelli
- Team
- Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team
- Session
- Qualifying
2026 AUSTRALIAN GRAND PRIX
06 - 08 March 2026
From The Stewards
To The Team Manager,
Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team Document 35 Date 07 March 2026 Time 17:10
The Stewards, having received a report from the Race Director, have considered the following matter and determine the following:
No / Driver 12 - Kimi Antonelli Competitor Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team Time 16:16 Session Qualifying Fact Alleged pitlane incident – Working on the car in the fast lane Infringement Alleged breach of Article B1.6.1e of the FIA F1 Regulations. Decision No further action. Reason The Stewards reviewed video evidence and determined as follows. During the Qualifying session, which was suspended due to a red flag incident, and while the cars were lined up to leave the pit lane, Car 12 was waiting to blend into the fast lane. Car 12 had inched slightly into the fast lane with a very small portion of the front wing in the fast lane. A team member assisted in pushing the car back a little to allow for that part to not hinder the fast lane. While the car was touched by the team member (to push it back), this did not constitute a breach of Article B1.6.1e which prohibits work being done on the car, which clearly was not the case here. In fact, the team member was taking steps to not hinder the other drivers in the fast lane, which was entirely appropriate in the circumstances. We accordingly took no further action.
Competitors are reminded that they have the right to appeal certain decisions of the Stewards, in accordance with Article 15 of the FIA International Sporting Code and Chapter 4 of the FIA Judicial and Disciplinary Rules, within the applicable time limits.
Decisions of the Stewards are taken independently of the FIA and are based solely on the relevant regulations, guidelines and evidence presented.