Melbourne-based squad Mercedes encountered technical difficulties on the streets of Baku on Thursday as they were compelled to replace the power unit of driver Andrea Kimi Antonelli. The incident occurred during the second practice session of the Formula 1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix weekend.
The engine modification represents a significant setback for the team and the young Italian driver as they prepare for the upcoming qualifying and race. Power unit changes typically carry grid penalties, which could impact Antonelli’s starting position for the main event.
Teams often use practice sessions to test various setups and gather data, but mechanical issues can disrupt these plans. Mercedes will now need to work efficiently to ensure the car is ready for subsequent sessions while managing the potential consequences of the component swap.
I wonder if this affects his confidence. Starting deep in the pack on a street circuit is never easy.
Baku is so tight that any penalty here is brutal. Does the team have a spare engine? Sounds complicated.
Oof, tough break for the kid. Practice sessions are for data, but mechanicals happen. Let’s see how he recovers.
Is this the same reliability issues Mercedes had last year? Hopefully not a recurring pattern for them.
Grid penalty incoming. Antonelli will struggle to show his pace from the back of the grid this weekend.