The Mercedes team have provided an update on the participation of Kimi Antonelli in the qualifying session of the Australian Grand Prix.
The Italian driver endured a horror end to his Free Practice 3 session, hitting the barriers in what was a massive shunt during the final minutes of running. Antonelli, who was on a flying lap, lost control of the rear following contact with the kerb and rammed into the barriers at Turn Two of the Albert Park Circuit.

Doubts had begun to emerge about his participation in qualifying. However, amid these concerns, the Mercedes team have reacted to the possibility of Antonelli taking part in qualifying.

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Kimi Antonelli’s crash in Australia – Photo: Race Pictures

Mercedes provide update on Antonelli’s qualifying participation

Asked by GPblog if the 19-year-old would take to the track for qualifying at the Australian Grand Prix, the Brackley-based outfit responded, saying:

“We will only know once Q1 ends, to be honest. PU and chassis look okay, so it’s a gearbox change plus bits that need replacing. A big job, and even more difficult as we lost 20 minutes with the start of FP3 being delayed, but the team are working flat out to get the car ready.”

While Antonelli endured a forgettable outing, teammate George Russell stormed to the top of the FP3 timing sheet, over six-tenths ahead of Charles Leclerc.

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