Kimi Antonelli wrecked his car. © APA/afp / PAUL CROCK

Heavy Antonelli crash before qualifying

Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli suffered a heavy crash in the final practice session for the Formula 1 season opener in Australia.

March 07, 2026

From: dpa

The 19-year-old Italian slid over the kerbs towards the end of the session, lost control of his car, and crashed into the wall at turn two with the rear end. "I'm okay," Antonelli quickly radioed back, and was able to climb out of his wrecked car himself. The Mercedes had to be recovered with a crane.

Antonelli ultimately finished seventh, just ahead of world champion Lando Norris in the McLaren. "I hope we can get the car ready for qualifying," said Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff on television. SkyIf not, Antonelli will simply start from the pit lane and deliver a strong race.

Russell, Hamilton, Leclerc

After the session was restarted, Antonelli's Mercedes teammate George Russell set the fastest time of 1:19,053. The Englishman, considered a title contender in the new Formula 1 era with its new cars, finished well ahead of record world champion Lewis Hamilton (+0,616 seconds) in his Ferrari in a turbulent third practice session. Hamilton's teammate Charles Leclerc (+0,774 seconds) was third ahead of Saturday's qualifying (6:00 a.m. CET) at the Albert Park Circuit. Four-time world champion Max Verstappen finished sixth in his Red Bull.


The Formula 1 drivers were only able to take to the 5,278-kilometer circuit after a 20-minute delay. Following a Formula 3 crash between Prema drivers Louis Sharp and James Wharton, the barriers in turn five had to be repaired first.

The Formula 1 drivers were unable to drive for long afterward. Due to an engine problem, Spaniard Carlos Sainz parked his Williams at the entrance to the pit lane. To safely recover the car, the session was interrupted with red flags. After a few minutes, the session resumed. The second red flag of the day was then waved when Antonelli crashed into the wall.