George Russell and Kimi Antonelli have successfully avoided penalties following an investigation by the FIA into an alleged breach during the qualifying session of the Las Vegas Grand Prix. Mercedes was under scrutiny after FIA technical director Jo Bauer noted that the team failed to provide a mandatory set-up sheet for the qualifying session.
The FIA initiated an investigation that summoned both drivers to the stewards for questioning. However, both Russell and Antonelli received the news that they will not face any further action. Mercedes clarified that the absence of the set-up sheets was due to an IT security issue that prevented them from being delivered on time.
The stewards’ report indicated that the team was able to provide satisfactory evidence through emails to demonstrate that the necessary sheets were sent to the appropriate FIA department, but they did not arrive as required. The report specifically stated, “Although the FIA did not receive the setup sheet electronically in the specified time, the team was able to demonstrate… that the sheet had been emailed.”
During a challenging qualifying session affected by rain, Russell secured a provisional fourth place on the grid. However, a potential shift could occur depending on the outcome of an investigation into Williams driver Carlos Sainz, who qualified third but faces the possibility of a grid penalty for an unsafe re-entry onto the track during Q1. Antonelli, on the other hand, qualified in 17th place after an early exit in the first qualifying stage.
The race weekend also sees Lando Norris of McLaren starting from pole position alongside reigning four-time world champion Max Verstappen from Red Bull. With just three races left in the F1 2025 season, Mercedes currently sits second in the constructors’ standings, holding a 32-point advantage over Red Bull. The team has celebrated two victories this season, with Russell taking the checkered flag in Canada and Singapore, while Antonelli recently claimed his second career podium finish at the Brazilian Grand Prix.
This development underscores the challenges faced in the competitive landscape of Formula 1, particularly under adverse weather conditions and technological hurdles. The ability of Mercedes drivers to navigate these challenges while maintaining their standings highlights their skill and resilience on the track.