Mercedes F1 star hit by FIA deleted lap ruling following C.

Mercedes F1 star hit by FIA deleted lap ruling following C…read more

Mercedes Formula 1 driver Kimi Antonelli was among several competitors who faced a lap deletion ruling by the FIA following the conclusion of the Canadian Grand Prix. Despite this penalty, the 18-year-old rising star celebrated a significant milestone in his young career, securing his first-ever Formula 1 podium finish. This remarkable achievement also made him the third-youngest driver in the history of the sport to stand on the podium, marking a memorable moment for both Antonelli and the Mercedes team.

The race, held in Montreal, saw Antonelli deliver a standout performance, particularly highlighted by a key early overtake on McLaren’s Oscar Piastri. This bold move helped him secure third place behind eventual race winner Max Verstappen of Red Bull and his own Mercedes teammate George Russell, who finished second. The result not only showcased Antonelli’s growing confidence and talent but also signaled a strong overall performance for Mercedes, who have been looking to regain their competitive edge in the 2025 season.

The FIA’s decision to delete one of Antonelli’s laps came after post-race reviews, which included track limits investigations involving multiple drivers. In total, seven drivers, including Antonelli, were penalized with lap deletions for exceeding track boundaries. However, in Antonelli’s case, the penalty did not affect his final race position or his place on the podium, as the infraction occurred on a lap that was not crucial to his finishing time.

The race result turned out to be a significant boost for Mercedes in the Constructors’ Championship standings. By placing both drivers on the podium, the team managed to leapfrog Ferrari to reclaim second place in the standings. Additionally, they were able to cut into McLaren’s lead at the top of the championship table, intensifying the ongoing three-way battle among the top teams.

Antonelli’s performance has been especially noteworthy considering the level of pressure and attention surrounding his rookie season. Stepping into the spotlight at one of the sport’s most iconic circuits, he demonstrated maturity and racecraft well beyond his years. Team Principal Toto Wolff praised both his drivers for the result, indicating that the momentum gained in Canada could be crucial as the championship heads into the European leg of the calendar.

While the FIA’s lap deletion rulings created some post-race controversy, particularly for mid-field drivers who lost positions, Antonelli’s achievement remained a headline moment. The young Italian’s historic podium signals a potential changing of the guard at Mercedes and provides further hope that the team may once again challenge for titles in the near future.