Mercedes is demanding answers from the FIA after a controversial incident involving rising star Kimi Antonelli during the Las Vegas race that has left fans and experts alike scratching their heads. The Italian driver, who started the race from a challenging P17, faced a five-second time penalty due to a false start—specifically, a movement in his grid box before the lights went out, which the FIA deemed illegal.
Team principal Toto Wolff expressed his bewilderment regarding the circumstances surrounding Antonelli’s penalty. “We couldn’t spot anything on the clutch, nor anything that would have pointed us to an irregular start,” Wolff stated, indicating that the Mercedes team had not observed any clear indication that Antonelli had prematurely engaged his vehicle. The FIA, equipped with sensor technology, is expected to shed light on this perplexing situation, but Wolff was left questioning the rationale behind the decision. “I’m the only one who seemed to have seen that there was a little bit of a movement, but it wasn’t definite by releasing the clutch or getting off the brake pedal,” he remarked, hinting at a broader confusion within the paddock.
Despite the setback, Antonelli showcased remarkable resilience, executing an early pit stop to switch to hard tires and ultimately finishing in fourth position. His impressive performance, however, was marred by the penalty, which relegated him to fifth place. In a twist of fate, Antonelli was later elevated to the podium due to a double disqualification of McLaren drivers, adding another layer to this dramatic race.
Wolff also expressed his astonishment at Antonelli’s comeback from such a low starting position, admitting, “I’m not sure that we thought it was realistic at the beginning.” Initially on the defensive, Antonelli’s strategy of an aggressive early stop paid off as he picked up speed and tackled tire graining effectively. “At the end, a super well-deserved P5 even with the penalty,” Wolff concluded, reflecting on what could have been had Antonelli started from a more advantageous spot on the grid.
As the dust settles on this electrifying race, the Mercedes team eagerly awaits a comprehensive explanation from the FIA regarding Antonelli’s penalty, a matter that has sparked significant debate and intrigue in the world of motorsport. Will the FIA clarify this contentious issue, or will it remain shrouded in controversy? Fans and teams alike are on the edge of their seats, awaiting the next chapter in this unfolding drama.








