Kimi Antonelli Crashes in Baku Qualifying and Starts 16th
· Sports · BBC Sport, skysports
Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli crashed into a wall during the first qualifying session at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix in Baku, leaving him to start Saturday's race in 16th position. The 20-year-old Italian admitted his error was a stupid mistake and a humbling reality check as he leads the world championship standings. His team-mate George Russell secured pole position after a dominant performance, sitting 81 points behind Antonelli in the title race. Antonelli's weekend had already been disrupted by a hydraulic leak during Thursday practice that cost him valuable track time. Russell noted that this was the first significant competitive error Antonelli has made throughout the entire season.
Why it matters
The qualifying crash narrows Antonelli's championship lead and gives George Russell a vital opportunity to close the 81-point deficit in the drivers' standings.
Read the original report — BBC Sport
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