Mercedes applies for review of Kimi Antonelli sanction
Kimi Antonelli received a 5-second penalty at the end of the Australian Grand Prix for "unsafe release" in the pit lane.
The race stewards have received a request for review from the Mercedes team, in accordance with Article 14 of the FIA International Sporting Code, as stated in an FIA communiqué. This request concerns the stewards’ decision (document 43) relating to an infringement of Article 34.14 a) of the Sporting Regulations.
This infraction equals the 5-second penalty that rookie Kimi Antonelli received at the end of the race at the Australian Grand Prix for “unsafe release” in front of Nico Hülkenberg’s car.
« After reviewing the onboard videos and images, the stewards confirmed that car No. 12 was released into the path of car No. 27. The latter had to brake abruptly and take evasive action to avoid a collision », stated the FIA communiqué.
These 5 seconds of penalty deprived Kimi Antonelli of 4th place and benefited Alex Albon.
He and Nico Hülkenberg are summoned to appear before the stewards at 6:40 PM (Melbourne time) to discuss this matter.
A two-step hearing
The hearing will take place in two parts. The first will involve examining whether a new significant and relevant element, which was not available at the time of the initial decision, can be presented by Mercedes.
If the commissioners believe, in accordance with Article 14.3, that such an element exists, a second hearing will then be scheduled at a later date to examine the merits of the case. Stay tuned…
