Mercedes rookie Kimi Antonelli and Ferrari star Charles Leclerc are set to face investigations from the FIA following incidents during the final practice session at the Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix.
The two drivers were noted by race officials during FP3 on Saturday morning, with both cases scheduled for review by the stewards before qualifying gets underway. While neither incident has yet resulted in a penalty, the investigations add an extra layer of tension ahead of one of the most important sessions of the weekend.
Antonelli’s case relates to an alleged incident at Turn 2 late in the session. FIA race control flagged the young Italian for potentially driving in an erratic manner while cars were completing their final preparations for qualifying. The exact details of the situation will be examined by the stewards, who will hear Antonelli’s explanation before deciding whether any further action is required.
The investigation comes after a frustrating end to FP3 for the Mercedes driver. Antonelli appeared capable of challenging for a stronger position on the timesheets but saw his final flying lap compromised by traffic. As a result, he finished the session in seventh place, unable to fully demonstrate the pace of his Mercedes package around the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya.
Despite Antonelli’s difficulties, Mercedes enjoyed an encouraging session overall. Team-mate George Russell delivered an impressive performance to finish at the top of the timing screens, suggesting the Silver Arrows could be serious contenders when qualifying begins later in the day.
Leclerc is also facing scrutiny from the FIA after an incident involving Sauber driver Nico Hulkenberg. The Ferrari driver is suspected of impeding Hulkenberg at Turn 5 during the closing moments of the session. Impeding incidents are often taken seriously by stewards, particularly when they affect another driver’s ability to complete a competitive lap.
The Monegasque driver nevertheless enjoyed a productive session on track. Leclerc finished third fastest, placing his Ferrari among the leading contenders and splitting the two McLaren drivers in the final classification. His pace indicated that Ferrari could be firmly in the fight for the front rows of the grid, provided the investigation does not lead to any sanctions.
Both Antonelli and Leclerc have been summoned to meet with the stewards, who will review data, onboard footage and team communications before reaching their verdicts. Any penalties handed out could potentially affect preparations for qualifying or, in more serious cases, result in sporting sanctions.
Elsewhere, Aston Martin received a financial penalty after Lance Stroll exceeded the pit-lane speed limit during FP3. Race officials recorded the Canadian travelling 5.9 km/h above the permitted limit, resulting in a €600 fine for the team. The infringement carries no sporting penalty for Stroll but serves as a reminder of the FIA’s strict enforcement of pit-lane regulations.
With qualifying just around the corner, attention now turns to the stewards’ room, where the outcomes of the Antonelli and Leclerc investigations could have significant implications for the remainder of the Barcelona weekend.