FIA Issues Late Penalty to Kimi Antonelli as Qatar Sprint Classification Gets Re-shuffled
The Qatar Grand Prix weekend delivered yet another twist when the FIA announced a late penalty for Mercedes rookie Kimi Antonelli, costing him what would have been an impressive fifth-place finish in Saturday’s sprint race. The young Italian, who has been under intense scrutiny as Mercedes’ rising star, saw his result altered after race stewards confirmed he breached track limits multiple times during the 19-lap dash at the Lusail International Circuit.
Antonelli’s race had initially looked like a strong showing. He demonstrated pace, control, and confidence while battling among experienced midfield runners. However, despite his on-track performance, the FIA determined that he had crossed the white lines marking the circuit’s borders on four separate occasions. Under the current racing regulations—which have been consistently enforced throughout the 2025 season—drivers are permitted three track-limit infringements before being shown a black-and-white warning flag. Any further violation results in a mandatory penalty.
Antonelli first exceeded track limits three times, earning the black-and-white flag. The decisive moment came when he committed a fourth violation, forcing the stewards to impose a five-second time penalty. While small on paper, five seconds can dramatically reshape finishing positions in a tightly packed sprint.
Initially, Antonelli had provisionally crossed the line in fifth position, appearing to secure one of his best results since joining Formula 1. However, the timing sheets were quickly revised: the penalty dropped him behind Yuki Tsunoda, who was also handed the same five-second sanction for an identical track-limit offence earlier in the race.
The difference in their outcomes came down to positioning on the road. Tsunoda, who had been running ahead of Antonelli when both penalties were applied, had enough of a gap to retain fifth place despite his own demotion. Antonelli, on the other hand, fell behind after the five seconds were added to his race time, ultimately being classified sixth.
Tsunoda’s Mixed Day Despite Strong Performance
Although the penalty did not change his finishing place, the ruling certainly put a slight dent in what was an otherwise standout day for Yuki Tsunoda. The Japanese driver delivered arguably his strongest performance since joining Red Bull’s main team, showcasing speed not only against the midfield but also against his illustrious team-mate, Max Verstappen.
Tsunoda impressed on Friday by out-qualifying Verstappen during sprint qualifying—a rare achievement for any driver, let alone someone still adapting to life in one of the grid’s most scrutinized seats. Beating a four-time world champion in identical machinery was a statement that immediately caught the attention of fans and pundits.
However, the momentum did not fully carry over to the race. Verstappen managed to overtake Tsunoda on the opening lap, using his superior race craft to slice past in the early stages. Even so, Tsunoda remained competitive, keeping the Red Bull within respectable range and fending off challenges from behind.
Yet, despite this promising display, Tsunoda’s long-term future in Formula 1 remains clouded with uncertainty. The paddock has been buzzing with speculation that Isack Hadjar, currently racing for Racing Bulls, is the leading candidate to take over Tsunoda’s seat in 2026. Several insiders suggest that the decision is practically final, making Tsunoda’s performances in the remaining races crucial but possibly insufficient to secure his place.
Adding to the complexity, Liam Lawson is expected to stay with Racing Bulls for another season, while highly rated Formula 2 talent Arvid Lindblad is also being considered for a seat in the Red Bull junior programme. With the pipeline overflowing with young prospects, Tsunoda finds himself in an increasingly competitive battle to remain on the F1 grid.
A Weekend of Lessons for Antonelli
For Antonelli, the penalty serves as a reminder of the intense level of precision required in modern Formula 1. Track limits at Lusail have been a contentious issue for years due to the circuit’s high-speed corners and abrasive kerbs that tempt drivers to push beyond the legal boundaries.
Despite the setback, many observers noted that the rookie handled the race with maturity. His on-track pace and defensive driving showed glimpses of a promising future. Finishing sixth after a penalty in only his rookie campaign is still viewed as a respectable result.
