Ben Hunt is an award-winning motorsport journalist with over two decades of experience in Formula 1 and international media. As a former editor-in-chief and bestselling author, he delivers in-depth analysis and strategic insight from the highest level of the sport.
Formula 1 championship leader Kimi Antonelli is out of qualifying for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix after hitting a wall during Q1.
Antonelli reported the contact while continuing around the Baku street circuit, but his Mercedes had damage to its front-left wheel.
Kimi Antonelli and his engineer Peter 'Bono' Bonnington discuss the incident:
Bono: "We just better park up, mate. We're not going to be able to fix that."
Antonelli: "Are you sure?"
Bono: "Affirm. Stop in a safe place."
Antonelli: "Let me try, mate. Let me try."
Bono: "We can't fix this, mate."
Antonelli: "Why can't we fix it?
Antonelli: "Why can't we fix it?
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Bono: "That looks like we've done something to the trackrod or upright, so that's a fairly big job.
Antonelli: "I'm sorry guys. My god.
Bono: "No sweat, Kimi."
It is a second setback in as many days for the Italian. A hydraulics problem cut short his first practice session on Thursday, although he returned to finish second-fastest in the afternoon.
Antonelli arrived in Baku with an 81-point championship lead over Mercedes team-mate George Russell.
Antonelli arrived in Baku with an 81-point championship lead over Mercedes team-mate George Russell.
Antonelli’s qualifying exit leaves Mercedes facing a repair job before Saturday’s race and its title leader facing a tougher route through the field.
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Azerbaijan Grand Prix
Overview
Thursday 24.09.26
Practice 1
08:30 AM
Practice 2
12:00 PM
Friday 25.09.26
Practice 3
08:30 AM
Qualification
12:00 PM
Saturday 26.09.26
Race
11:00 AM
Thursday 24.09.26
Practice 1
Thu 08:30 AM
Practice 2
Thu 12:00 PM
Friday 25.09.26
Practice 3
Fri 08:30 AM
Qualification
Fri 12:00 PM
Saturday 26.09.26
Race
Sat 11:00 AM
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F1-stand 2026
Season
| Pos. | Driver | Team | Points |
|---|---|---|---|
1 | MercedesMER | 292 | |
2 | MercedesMER | 211 | |
3 | FerrariFER | 191 | |
4 | McLarenMCL | 186 | |
5 | FerrariFER | 167 | |
6 | Red Bull RacingRBR | 145 | |
7 | McLarenMCL | 120 | |
8 | Red Bull RacingRBR | 71 | |
9 | Racing BullsRCB | 59 | |
10 | AlpineALP | 41 |
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