Kimi Antonelli Faces Abu Dhabi Penalty After Pit-Lane Collision with Yuki Tsunoda
Mercedes' Kimi Antonelli is set to receive a penalty at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix after a pit-lane collision with Yuki Tsunoda during final practice. The incident, ruled an unsafe release, damaged Tsunoda's car and is under FIA investigation, highlighting critical pit-lane safety concerns as the season concludes. Williams also faces scrutiny for a similar incident.
Kimi Antonelli and Mercedes are expected to face a penalty from the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix stewards following a pit-lane collision with Red Bull's Yuki Tsunoda during the final practice session. The incident, deemed an unsafe release, occurred as Antonelli exited his garage, directly impacting Tsunoda's car and disrupting his qualifying simulation.
Why it matters:
This incident, while seemingly minor, highlights critical safety protocols within the F1 pit lane and can impact driver and team standings. Penalties, even in practice sessions, can carry over to qualifying or the race, potentially affecting grid positions and race strategies. For Antonelli, a young driver making a name for himself, such a mistake can draw unwanted scrutiny.
The Details:
- The collision happened at the conclusion of the final practice session, as drivers were on their crucial qualifying simulation runs.
- Antonelli, given the 'all-clear' to exit his garage, pulled out directly into the path of Tsunoda, striking the sidepod of the Red Bull car.
- FIA Investigation: The incident immediately triggered an FIA investigation for an 'unsafe release' by the Mercedes team.
- Impact on Drivers: Tsunoda's car sustained damage, preventing him from completing a fast lap and leaving him at the bottom of the timesheet. Antonelli required a front-wing change but still managed to finish ninth-quickest, 0.373 seconds behind his teammate George Russell.
- Wider Issue: Interestingly, Antonelli's incident wasn't isolated; Williams is also under investigation for a similar unsafe release involving Alex Albon earlier in the session.
What's next:
The stewards' decision on the penalty for Mercedes and Antonelli is anticipated shortly. Depending on the severity, it could range from a grid penalty for Antonelli in qualifying or the race, to a fine or reprimand for the team. This event serves as a stark reminder for all teams to prioritize pit lane safety, especially as the season concludes.