Kimi Antonelli’s Las Vegas GP Nightmare: 5-Second Penalty Derails Rookie’s Race

Mercedes rookie Kimi Antonelli received a crushing 5-second penalty at the Las Vegas Grand Prix. The penalty was for a jump start on the iconic Strip circuit. The incident occurred on Sunday, November 23, during the 2025 Formula 1 World Championship.

This setback compounded a difficult weekend for the 19-year-old Italian driver. He was already starting from a lowly P17 after a Q1 qualifying elimination. The penalty effectively ended any hope of a points finish.

How the Controversial False Start Unfolded

As the starting lights sequence began, Antonelli’s Mercedes W16 was seen to creep forward. The movement was minimal but clear to race stewards. According to Sky Sports F1’s analysis, the car’s front wheels moved slightly before the lights went out.

Race Control immediately noted the infringement for investigation. The official decision came through on lap 14 of the race. Antonelli was serving his second pit stop at the time.

The 5-second penalty was applied during this stop. This dropped him far down the order after he had briefly climbed to P12. He ultimately finished the race in 17th place.

The Wider Impact on Antonelli’s Rookie Season

This penalty marks another challenging moment in Antonelli’s debut F1 campaign. The young driver entered the season with significant expectation after a stellar junior career. Consistency has proven difficult to find in his first year with Mercedes.

The team also faced scrutiny earlier in the weekend. Mercedes was investigated for a procedural breach regarding setup sheet submissions for both cars. They avoided a penalty on that occasion, unlike their rookie driver on race day.

Teammate George Russell managed a cleaner race, highlighting the contrast in fortunes. For Antonelli, the Las Vegas result represents a missed opportunity for valuable experience and potential points.

Navigating the High-Stakes Final Races

With only two rounds remaining in the 2025 season, pressure is mounting. The championship moves next to the Losail International Circuit in Qatar. The season concludes in Abu Dhabi on December 7.

Antonelli will be keen to put the Vegas disappointment behind him quickly. His focus must now shift to delivering clean, competitive performances. These final races are crucial for building momentum ahead of his second season.

**The 5-second penalty in Las Vegas serves as a harsh lesson for the Mercedes rookie. Kimi Antonelli must now demonstrate his ability to learn from such setbacks. His response in Qatar will be closely watched by the entire F1 paddock.**

Info at your fingertips

What exactly is a jump start in Formula 1?

A jump start occurs when a driver moves before all five starting lights go out. Even a slight creep can be deemed an infringement. Stewards use advanced sensors and video to detect any movement.

How did Kimi Antonelli qualify for the Las Vegas GP?

Antonelli was eliminated in Q1, qualifying 17th. He locked up on his final flying lap, ruining his chance to advance. This placed him near the back of the grid for the race start.

Has Kimi Antonelli scored points in his rookie season?

Yes, Antonelli has scored points in several races this season. His best finish was a seventh place at the British Grand Prix. The Vegas penalty denied him a chance to add to his points tally.

What other penalties were issued during the Las Vegas GP?

Several drivers received penalties for various infringements. These included track limits violations and causing collisions. Antonelli’s penalty was the only one for a false start.

How does a time penalty work during a pit stop?

A time penalty is served when a driver enters the pits. The team must hold the car stationary for the penalty duration in addition to any regular service. This adds significant time to the pit stop.