Qualifying at the Australian Grand Prix saw another interruption after a red flag was deployed due to debris scattered across the track at the Albert Park Circuit.
The incident involved Kimi Antonelli, who was released from the pit lane by Mercedes with his car’s sidepod cooling equipment still attached.
As Antonelli accelerated out of the pit lane, the cooling ducts detached from the car and fell onto the circuit, scattering debris across the racing line. Race control immediately deployed a red flag to allow marshals to safely clear the track before qualifying could continue.
The stewards have noted Antonelli for being released in an unsafe condition, which could lead to an investigation into Mercedes’ pit lane procedures. Under Formula One regulations, teams must ensure that all equipment is properly removed and secured before releasing a car from the garage or pit box.
If found responsible for an unsafe release, the team could face a financial penalty or other disciplinary action from race stewards.
The stoppage added another dramatic moment to an already eventful qualifying session in Melbourne.