BREAKING: Mercedes F1 Team Announced Late Driver Replacement at Azerbaijan Grand Prix Following Dramatic…read more

Mercedes have been forced to make a late adjustment to their driver plans for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix after an unexpected issue disrupted their preparations in Baku.

The Silver Arrows arrived at the street circuit with championship leader Kimi Antonelli and George Russell expected to lead their challenge. However, Antonelli’s weekend got off to a difficult start when he suffered a mechanical problem during the opening practice session.

The young Italian had completed just a few laps when his Mercedes began losing power shortly after Turn 6. Antonelli was eventually forced to stop away from the racing line, with marshals quickly attending the stranded car and bringing the situation under control.

The incident immediately raised questions over whether Antonelli’s Mercedes had suffered significant damage and whether he would be able to continue as planned during the remainder of the Baku weekend.

Mercedes later confirmed a late driver adjustment involving their reserve and junior-driver programme, allowing the team to have an alternative option available should a replacement become necessary. The development comes at a critical stage of the 2026 championship, with Antonelli fighting at the front of the standings.

Baku is traditionally one of the most unpredictable venues on the Formula 1 calendar. Its tight street sections, extremely long straight and close barriers can quickly turn even a minor problem into a major setback. Mercedes will therefore be keen to minimise the impact of the disruption.

Russell also faced attention following a separate incident during the early running in Azerbaijan. The situation could potentially be reviewed by the FIA stewards, creating additional pressure for Mercedes at the start of an already challenging weekend.

The team is now working to identify the exact cause of Antonelli’s mechanical failure while assessing the condition of his car. Engineers will also need to ensure that both Mercedes machines are ready for the crucial sessions ahead.

Antonelli’s availability remains particularly important. The Italian has established himself as a leading contender in the 2026 title battle, making any missed track time potentially costly for both his championship campaign and Mercedes’ constructors’ ambitions.

For the moment, Mercedes are concentrating on resolving the technical issue and determining whether Antonelli’s car can safely return to the track.

With unexpected drama already surrounding the team in Baku, Mercedes’ next update will be closely watched. The key question now is whether the late driver change will actually be needed during the Azerbaijan Grand Prix weekend.