Mercedes Formula 1 driver and championship leader Kimi Antonelli has reportedly been disqualified from the final classification of the Hungarian Grand Prix following a post-race FIA investigation, in a dramatic twist that could have major implications for both the Drivers’ and Constructors’ Championship battles.
Antonelli, who fought his way through the field after serving a three-place grid penalty for a qualifying infringement, had initially finished on the podium after another determined performance at the Hungaroring. The Italian teenager once again demonstrated why he has been one of the standout performers of the 2026 Formula 1 season, recovering from adversity to secure what appeared to be another valuable result for Mercedes.
However, several hours after the chequered flag, FIA technical delegates reportedly identified an issue during the routine post-race inspections, prompting the stewards to launch a formal investigation. Following their review of the evidence, the governing body announced Antonelli’s disqualification, removing him from the official race classification.
The decision reshuffles the final results of the Hungarian Grand Prix, promoting several drivers up one position while costing Antonelli crucial championship points. It also delivers a significant blow to Mercedes, which loses an important haul of Constructors’ Championship points from what had looked to be another successful weekend.
The exact nature of the technical infringement has not yet been fully detailed publicly, but under Formula 1 regulations, any breach of the FIA’s strict technical requirements can result in exclusion from the race results, regardless of whether the advantage was intentional or had a measurable impact on performance.
For Antonelli, the disqualification marks a frustrating end to an eventful weekend. After being penalized in qualifying for failing to slow sufficiently under yellow flags, he responded with an impressive recovery drive on Sunday, only for the result to be erased after post-race scrutiny.
Mercedes is expected to carefully examine the FIA’s findings and determine whether there are grounds to appeal the decision. Teams are permitted to challenge certain steward rulings within the timeframe set out by the FIA’s International Sporting Code.
The revised classification could also prove beneficial for Antonelli’s closest championship rivals, including Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton and Red Bull’s Max Verstappen, who stand to gain additional points following the reshuffle.
While the disqualification represents a major setback, Antonelli remains one of the strongest contenders in this year’s title fight. With the Formula 1 season entering its next phase, Mercedes will now focus on responding positively and ensuring the team returns stronger at the upcoming Dutch Grand Prix, where the battle for both world championships is expected to intensify.
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