Mercedes has been handed a 7,500 EUR fine after a pit lane blunder saw the team release Kimi Antonelli‘s car with the cooling system still attached, sending debris onto the circuit and causing minor damage to Lando Norris’s McLaren.
What Happened?
During the race, Mercedes mechanics failed to remove the cooling unit from Antonelli’s car before releasing him from the pit box. The cooling system detached from the car shortly after and slid across the track surface, leaving debris scattered across the racing line.
Lando Norris, who was unable to avoid the obstacle, drove over the cooling unit at speed. The impact caused minor front wing damage to the McLaren but was not serious enough to force a pit stop or retire the car.
Mercedes Hit With Fine
Race stewards investigated the unsafe release and ruled against Mercedes, issuing a 7,500 EUR fine for the incident. Unsafe pit releases are among the more common pit lane infringements in Formula 1, but leaving a full cooling system on the racing surface elevated the severity of this particular case.
Antonelli Finishes Second Despite Chaos
Remarkably, Kimi Antonelli was not penalized for the incident and went on to finish in second place. The result is a strong points haul for Mercedes and a hugely encouraging performance from the young Italian driver, who kept his composure throughout despite the chaos surrounding his pit stop.
McLaren Escape With Minor Damage
McLaren confirmed that damage to Norris’s front wing was minor and did not significantly affect his race pace. Given the size of the debris on track, the outcome could have been considerably worse for both drivers.
Key Facts
- Incident: Mercedes cooling system left on car before pit release
- Debris: Cooling unit fell onto the live racing surface
- Car affected: Lando Norris, McLaren
- Damage: Minor front wing damage
- Fine: Mercedes fined 7,500 EUR by race stewards
- Antonelli result: Finished P2
Formula 1 pit lane incidents are reviewed by stewards on a case-by-case basis. Fines and penalties vary depending on the risk posed to drivers and marshals.
