Doc 42 - Infringement - Car 12 - Released in an unsafe condition

Infringements/Decisions

2026 Australian Grand Prix - Stewards Decision

Incident Details:

  • Driver: 12 - Kimi Antonelli
  • Competitor: Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team
  • Session: Qualifying
  • Time: 17:00
  • Fact: Car 12 was released from its garage in an unsafe condition with a cooling fan still attached.

Infringement: Breach of Article B1.6.2 b) i) of the FIA F1 Regulations.

Decision:

The Competitor (Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team) is fined €7,500.

Reasoning:

  1. The Incident: During Qualifying, Car 12 left the garage with a duct cooling fan attached to the right side. The fan detached at Turn 1, splitting apart. One part landed in the gravel, while another part stayed on the track at Turn 2.
  2. Consequences: The debris on the track was struck by another car, causing damage to that car's front wing and tyre. The session was red-flagged to clear the debris.
  3. Team Explanation: Due to repairs from a previous session, the usual division of labor was disrupted. The mechanic responsible for removing the fan was occupied with other urgent repairs, leading to the oversight.
  4. Conclusion: As the car left the garage with equipment still attached, it constituted an unsafe release.

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