Antonelli avoids penalty after Singapore braking problem

Mercedes driver Andrea Kimi Antonelli finished third in the Singapore Grand Prix on Sunday, October 11, after an apparent fourth track-limits violation at Turn 7 was not counted because of braking problems, according to an FIA spokesperson. Antonelli received no penalty and finished 15.9 seconds ahead of fourth-placed Lando Norris. The spokesperson said the braking issue gave Antonelli a justifiable reason to leave the track. Formula 1’s 2026 regulations require drivers to make reasonable efforts to remain on track and permit them to leave when there is a justifiable reason. The explanation supplied was an account from the spokesperson; no written steward decision is included in the available information. An FIA document listing deleted lap times recorded three earlier track-limits violations by Antonelli, at Turn 2 twice and Turn 19 once. The Turn 7 incident occurred after his second pit stop during a Virtual Safety Car period on lap 40, when he was running fifth. Antonelli reported a loss of braking performance and ran long at the corner. Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff said heat had built up in Antonelli’s brakes after the stop, making the pedal travel longer.