Daijiworld Media Network - Melbourne

Melbourne, Mar 16: Kimi Antonelli’s five-second penalty from the Australian Grand Prix has been overturned after Mercedes successfully appealed through a ‘Right of Review.’

The penalty was initially imposed after stewards ruled that Antonelli was unsafely released into the path of Kick Sauber’s Nico Hulkenberg during a chaotic, weather-affected race. Despite a remarkable drive from P16 to P4, the time penalty dropped the rookie to P5 in his debut Formula 1 race.

However, Mercedes presented new video evidence—including footage from Antonelli’s roll hoop camera and aerial helicopter shots—that was unavailable during the initial ruling. Upon review, the stewards determined that Antonelli had sufficient clearance before merging into the fast lane, leading to the penalty’s removal.

The decision reinstates Antonelli to P4, earning him an extra two points and bringing Mercedes level with McLaren at 27 points in the Constructors’ Championship. Meanwhile, Williams’ Alex Albon, who had temporarily gained a position due to the penalty, now drops back to P5 with 10 points instead of 12, leaving Williams unaffected in fourth place overall.

The ruling also serves as a reminder that teams have the right to appeal certain stewards’ decisions when new evidence emerges.