Source: Official Team Post via X
FIA Clears Mercedes Drivers and Oscar Piastri After US GP Qualifying Investigation
Kimi Antonelli and other drivers were investigated by the FIA for potentially exceeding delta times during qualifying for the United States Grand Prix. The FIA decided no further action was necessary, clearing the path for Antonelli's championship bid.
Kimi Antonelli, driving the Mercedes W17, found himself at the center of an FIA investigation following the qualifying session at the 2026 United States Grand Prix. Both Mercedes drivers and McLaren's Oscar Piastri were under scrutiny for possibly exceeding the maximum delta time during qualifying. The FIA, however, quickly concluded that no further action would be taken against any driver involved.
Investigation Clears Antonelli and Others
Antonelli arrived in Austin with his first opportunity to clinch the F1 2026 Drivers’ Championship. Despite the odds not being entirely in his favor, Antonelli needed to win the Grand Prix with teammate George Russell finishing ninth or lower, and Ferrari's Lewis Hamilton ending up fifth or lower, to secure the title.
The Italian's prospects were significantly enhanced by taking pole position, narrowly outpacing Red Bull's Max Verstappen. Meanwhile, Hamilton qualified fifth and Russell sixth, setting up an intriguing dynamic for the race.
Antonelli, Russell, Piastri, along with Franco Colapinto and Esteban Ocon, faced an investigation for allegedly breaching the maximum lap time during Q1. Piastri and Colapinto were further scrutinized for the same in Q2. The rule exists to prevent drivers from moving unnecessarily slowly on track.
Fortunately for the quintet, the FIA stewards opted not to impose any penalties. Antonelli leads the championship by 102 points and is on the brink of a remarkable title win, a scenario that seemed unlikely at the season's start.
Despite the excitement, Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff is keeping expectations tempered. "We’re not talking about that," Wolff remarked to Sky F1, emphasizing the need to focus on scoring points rather than counting their championships before they're won.
Antonelli, aware of the challenge posed by Verstappen and Red Bull, laid out his strategy for the race. "He’s going to be tough," Antonelli acknowledged, referring to Verstappen's strong pace in practice. "We were not bad, but it’s tricky. We’ll try to get a good start, lead into Turn 1, and hopefully set the pace from there."
As the race looms, Antonelli's focus remains sharp, and the championship is tantalizingly close. The young Mercedes driver is poised to make history, provided he can hold off the charge from Verstappen and others on Sunday.