FIA Issues Penalty Verdict for Mercedes Drivers After …. at Bahrain GP…Read more
The FIA has officially confirmed penalties for both Mercedes Formula 1 drivers following a procedural error during qualifying for the 2025 Bahrain Grand Prix. The team was found to have breached regulations due to a timing miscommunication that led to a chaotic end to Q2.
According to the FIA’s report, George Russell and Kimi Antonelli were both sent out of the pit lane too late in the session to begin their final flying laps, as the team miscalculated the time needed to reach the start/finish line before the clock expired. This blunder meant both drivers failed to register a competitive final lap, drawing frustration from both the drivers and fans.
While the incident did not involve any technical infringement, the FIA deemed Mercedes at fault for an operational failure that impeded fair competition. As a result, both drivers received formal reprimands for failing to respect time limits during qualifying procedures. The team was issued a €10,000 fine for the error, though the starting grid positions of Russell and Antonelli remain unchanged.
The bizarre mishap added a layer of drama to what was already an eventful qualifying session in Sakhir. Fans and pundits alike were left scratching their heads as the two Silver Arrows remained in the garage until the final moments, only to miss out on crucial track time.
Mercedes Team Principal Toto Wolff admitted the team had “misjudged the timing window,” citing traffic concerns and evolving track conditions. “We thought we had the gap to send both cars out together, but in hindsight, we waited too long. It’s a painful lesson, and we owe both drivers an apology,” he told reporters after the session.
With Russell starting from P5 and Antonelli further down the grid, the team faces an uphill battle in Sunday’s race. Mercedes has shown glimpses of pace this season, but operational errors like this could cost them dearly in the tightly contested Constructors’ Championship.
The Bahrain Grand Prix kicks off Sunday under the lights, with Mercedes aiming to recover from a disappointing qualifying and turn their weekend around.
