FIA Investigation into Mercedes Drivers at Las Vegas Grand Prix

Mercedes drivers George Russell and Andrea Kimi Antonelli faced scrutiny during the Las Vegas Grand Prix qualifying session due to an alleged breach of Article 40.1 of the 2025 Formula One Sporting Regulations. The FIA's technical director, Jo Bauer, noted that Mercedes failed to submit the required set-up sheets for both cars before the qualifying session commenced. This oversight was considered a potential violation of the parc ferme rules, which could have resulted in disqualification from the qualifying results. The drivers were summoned to meet with the stewards shortly after the session.

Mercedes at risk of double DSQ as FIA launches Las Vegas Grand Prix investigationFIA confirms double Mercedes decision after Las Vegas Grand Prix investigationMercedes hears Stewards verdict after regulations breach in VegasAndrea Kimi Antonelli hit with controversial 5-second penalty at Las Vegas, ruins race strategyGeorge Russell ‘realistic’ of Mercedes’ Las Vegas Grand Prix chances despite Kimi Antonelli pace

Following the investigation, the FIA stewards determined that no further action would be taken against Russell and Antonelli. The team successfully demonstrated that the set-up sheets had been emailed to the FIA but were not received due to an IT security issue. The stewards acknowledged the team's explanation and cleared both drivers of any penalties related to the setup sheet submission.

Mercedes hears Stewards verdict after regulations breach in Vegas

Despite the qualifying drama, both drivers had contrasting performances in the race. George Russell, who qualified fourth, managed to finish second, while Kimi Antonelli, who started from 17th after being eliminated in Q1, initially climbed to fifth place. However, Antonelli faced further challenges when he was handed a controversial five-second penalty for jumping the start, a decision that he described as a minor movement that he did not even notice. This penalty ultimately dropped him to a finishing position of fifth, although he was later promoted to third due to the disqualification of McLaren drivers Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris for excessive plank wear.

Why Kimi Antonelli was ‘talking to my tyres’ on his way to third F1 podium in the Las Vegas GP

The incident surrounding Piastri's penalty in Brazil, which involved Antonelli, has drawn mixed reactions within the paddock. While Antonelli defended the penalty as fair based on the guidelines, many in the F1 community, including Carlos Sainz, criticized it as harsh. Antonelli expressed his frustration over the start penalty but remained optimistic about his performance, stating, "I was talking to the tyres... asking them to please hold on until the end."

‘Most’ of the F1 paddock disagree with Kimi Antonelli over Oscar Piastri’s Brazil penalty

The Las Vegas Grand Prix results have significant implications for Mercedes, who currently hold second place in the Constructors' Championship, maintaining a 32-point lead over Red Bull. The team has shown improved competitiveness, with Russell's podium finish and Antonelli's resilience despite setbacks. As the season approaches its conclusion, both drivers are under pressure to deliver consistent performances in the remaining races in Qatar and Abu Dhabi.

Andrea Kimi Antonelli hit with controversial 5-second penalty at Las Vegas, ruins race strategy

With only two races left in the 2025 season, Mercedes aims to solidify its position in the Constructors' Championship. Antonelli, in particular, faces the challenge of overcoming the pressures of his rookie season while striving for better results to enhance his standing and confidence heading into the final races.

Andrea Kimi Antonelli hit with controversial 5-second penalty at Las Vegas, ruins race strategy