7 March 2026Sky SportsQualifying reportDriver Ratings
Antonelli's Melbourne qualifying in doubt after huge FP3 crash
Mercedes rookie Kimi Antonelli suffered a heavy crash in final practice for the Australian GP, putting his qualifying participation in major doubt. The incident is a huge setback for the team, which had just shown championship-contending pace with George Russell topping the timesheets.
Mercedes rookie Kimi Antonelli's participation in Australian Grand Prix qualifying is in serious doubt after a massive crash in final practice, casting a shadow over a session where teammate George Russell revealed the team's stunning raw pace. The 19-year-old Italian lost control at Turn 2, hitting the barriers at high speed, severely damaging his W17 chassis just as the team appeared poised for a dominant start to the 2026 season.