F1 News Today: F1 team hit by LATE Bahrain GP penalty as qualifying hit by f….readmore 

Mercedes Hit with Late Penalties After Bahrain GP Qualifying Controversy
In a dramatic turn of events at the 2025 Bahrain Grand Prix, both Mercedes Formula 1 drivers, George Russell and Kimi Antonelli, have received grid penalties following a procedural error during qualifying. The FIA confirmed that the team committed an infraction during Q2, which resulted in the penalties being handed down just hours after the session ended.
Russell had originally qualified in second place, while rookie teammate Antonelli put in a strong performance to secure fourth. However, both drivers were found to have driven on the racing line before the official restart time following a red flag stoppage in Q2. According to FIA regulations, drivers are prohibited from driving on the racing line before the session is officially resumed. As a result, both drivers received one-place grid drops—Russell will now start third, and Antonelli will line up in fifth.
The timing of the penalties drew criticism, as the verdict came well after qualifying had concluded, sparking frustration among fans and teams alike. The delay was attributed to a review of telemetry data and onboard footage, which ultimately confirmed the breach of protocol.
Mercedes Team Principal Toto Wolff expressed disappointment over the incident but remained confident heading into race day. “It’s unfortunate, especially given the strong qualifying performance from both our drivers. However, we believe we still have the pace to fight at the front, and that’s exactly what we intend to do on Sunday,” Wolff stated.
McLaren’s Oscar Piastri was the main beneficiary of Mercedes’ penalties, retaining pole position with an impressive lap of 1:29.841. Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc will now move up to start second, while Alpine’s Pierre Gasly benefits from the reshuffle to start fourth. Red Bull’s Max Verstappen, who struggled with car balance issues during qualifying, will start a surprising seventh.
Despite the setback, Mercedes remain optimistic about their race prospects, especially given their strong long-run pace observed during practice sessions. The Bahrain International Circuit is known for its tire degradation and strategic complexity, providing ample opportunities for recovery during the race.
The Bahrain Grand Prix is scheduled to begin at 17:00 local time on Sunday, and with tensions high and the field tightly packed, fans can expect an action-packed start to the 2025 Formula 1 season.