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Kimi Antonelli Under Stewards Review After Alex Albon Clash
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Highlights
- Kimi Antonelli under investigation for yellow flag rule breach
- Alex Albon crashed at Turn 1 damaging his Williams car
- Double-waved yellow flags were active during Antonelli’s pass
- Antonelli initially ignored warnings but later reduced speed
- Potential penalty could affect Antonelli’s starting grid position
- Williams and Mercedes face challenges after Azerbaijan qualifying incidents
Kimi Antonelli faces a stewards’ investigation after passing Alex Albon’s stricken Williams under double-waved yellows during Azerbaijan Grand Prix qualifying in Baku.
The incident occurs mid-session after Albon clips the Turn 1 inside barrier, breaking his front-left suspension and stopping on the short run to Turn 2.
Double-waved yellows require drivers to slow significantly and be prepared to stop.
Antonelli, yet to set a time, pushes to bank a lap and passes the stationary car on the run to Turn 2 after radio warnings of double yellows.
He initially fails to slow sufficiently, then tells Mercedes, “I didn’t see it,” before lifting and reducing pace. The stewards will study footage, marshalling data, and telemetry after qualifying.
“I didn’t see it,” Antonelli tells the team moments after passing Albon’s car.
Under the Sporting Code, double-waved yellows demand a clear, demonstrable speed reduction and no overtaking. Outcomes often include lap deletion or grid drops for inadequate caution.
The case underscores strict stewarding and F1’s compliance culture, outlined in compliance requirements in auto racing. Recent precedent includes when Armstrong was cleared after a race incident.
While equipment standards follow distinct frameworks, differences between SFI and FIA regimes sit alongside the FIA Sporting Code that governs on‑track conduct under yellow flags.
For Mercedes, any penalty risks compromising Antonelli’s grid position and strategy. The team sits third in the 2025 Constructors’ standings, with Antonelli and George Russell supplying consistent points.
Albon’s crash ends his qualifying hopes and leaves Williams managing repairs and setup compromises. The team targets sixth in the championship and needs a clean recovery to salvage race prospects.
A grid drop for Antonelli would reshape the Baku starting order and Mercedes’ strategy windows.
Baku’s mix of long straights and tight walls often generates yellow flags. The stewards will examine throttle traces, speed deltas, and mini-sector times to judge whether sufficient caution is shown.
Possible outcomes range from no further action to lap deletion or a grid drop. The decision, expected after qualifying, could influence strategy calls for both Mercedes and Williams.
Visual Summary
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DOUBLE YELLOW DRAMA
Antonelli
Albon
Stewards to decide: Will Antonelli be penalized?
Albon‘s crash triggers double yellow, but Antonelli hesitates to slow—now his qualifying hopes hang in the balance.
Mercedes
Constructors
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Williams
Constructors
Qualifying at Baku: RULES FIRST, SPEED LATER
Stewards’ decision will shape the starting grid—and the story of Baku.
Daniel Miller reports on Formula 1 Grand Prix weekends with race-day analysis, team-radio highlights, and point-standings updates. He explains power-unit upgrades, aerodynamic developments, and driver rivalries in straightforward, SEO-friendly language for a global F1 audience.
