12 - Kimi Antonelli
Competitor Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team
Time 16:59
Session Qualifying
Fact The driver of Car 12 did not slow sufficiently under single yellow flags at Turn 14.
Infringement Breach of Appendix H, Article 2.5.5 b) of the International Sporting Code and B1.8.4a
of the FIA F1 Regulations.
Decision Drop of 3 grid positions for the next Sprint/Race in which the driver participates.
1 penalty point (total of 4 for the 12 month period).
Reason The Stewards heard from the driver of Car 12 (Kimi Antonelli), team representative,
the FIA F1 Race Director and the Sporting Director of the FIA Single Seater
Department, and reviewed positioning/marshalling system data, video, timing,
telemetry and in-car video evidence.
The driver of Car 12 stated that on seeing the yellow flag and light panel, he lifted off
the throttle earlier than his previous push lap. This was verified by the telemetry.
However the reduction in speed occurred for a very short period, and in fact the
car’s speed when passing the scene of the incident involving Car 3, was slightly
higher than that on the previous push lap.
The mini sector time was only 0.03 second slower than his best time for that mini
sector, and whilst, because he had lifted 16 metres earlier, he was 14 km/h slower
entering the yellow flag sector, but was 3 km/h faster when passing the incident site
due to less application of the brakes entering the corner.
The FIA representatives noted that the speed reduction in the mini sector was less
than 1%.
The Stewards considered this incident to be different to other incidents that have
resulted in no further action, because unlike those cases, there was no significant
speed delta through the mini sector compared to the driver’s previous fastest time
under similar circumstances.
The recommended penalty according to the penalty guidelines, for this offence, is a
drop of 5 grid positions, however in mitigation of penalty, we considered that the
driver did make a reduction in speed, albeit, in our determination, an insufficient and
unsustained one. Further, the driver had limited time and distance to react. Hence a
lower penalty is applied.
Competitors are reminded that they have the right to appeal certain decisions of the
Stewards, in accordance with Article 15 of the FIA International Sporting Code and
Chapter 5 of the FIA Judicial and Disciplinary Rules, within the applicable time limits.
Decisions of the Stewards are taken independently of the FIA and are based solely
on the relevant regulations, guidelines and evidence presented.
ABSOLUTE BS
](./images/smilies/eusa_wall.gif "Brick wall"){kind=small}