News Summary
- Kimi Antonelli hit the Turn 1 wall during the opening phase of Baku qualifying
- Mercedes confirmed the car could not be repaired in time for the championship leader to continue
- Antonelli had provisionally done enough to reach Q2, but faces a start near the back of the grid
Kimi Antonelli’s Azerbaijan GP qualifying ended prematurely after the Formula 1 championship leader hit the wall at Turn 1 during Q1 on Friday.
Antonelli made heavy contact with the outside barrier, damaging the front-left corner of his Mercedes. He initially continued before parking the W17 near Turn 7 and climbing from the car.
“I hit the wall,” Antonelli reported over the radio immediately after the impact.
Despite initially asking whether the damage could be repaired, the Italian was informed that Mercedes faced extensive work.
“Why can’t we fix it?” Antonelli asked.
“It looks like we have done something to the track rod, or the upright. So, yeah, that’s a fairly big job,” Mercedes replied.
Antonelli faces start near back of Baku grid
Antonelli’s lap appeared sufficient to place him inside the top 15 and advance to Q2. However, the damaged suspension meant he could take no further part in qualifying.
If his Q1 time is officially confirmed among the 15 fastest, Antonelli will be classified in Q2 rather than automatically starting 16th. Without setting a Q2 time, he would ordinarily occupy 15th on the provisional grid, subject to penalties, exclusions or other drivers also failing to record a lap.
The accident represents a major setback for the championship leader, who had already lost much of Thursday’s running when a hydraulic failure and small fire interrupted his Baku practice programme.
Antonelli entered the Azerbaijan weekend with 292 points and an 81-point advantage over George Russell. He cannot clinch the title in Baku, but the crash gives his rivals an opportunity to reduce that margin before the championship moves to Singapore.
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F1 today: FAQ
Why is the 2026 Azerbaijan Grand Prix on Saturday?
The race takes place on Saturday, September 26, because Sunday is Azerbaijan’s Remembrance Day. The entire programme was moved forward, with practice on Thursday and qualifying on Friday.
What time does the 2026 Azerbaijan Grand Prix start?
The Azerbaijan GP starts at 12:00 UK, 07:00 ET and 15:00 local time on Saturday. It will run for 51 laps around the 6.003km Baku City Circuit.
Can Kimi Antonelli win the 2026 F1 championship in Azerbaijan?
Yes. Antonelli arrives in Baku with an 81-point lead over George Russell, making him mathematically capable of securing the championship. To become champion, he must leave Azerbaijan at least 75 points ahead.
What happened to Kimi Antonelli in Baku qualifying?
Antonelli hit the outside wall at Turn 1 during Q1 and damage
