Kimi Antonelli Loses Second-Row Start for 2026 Hungarian F1 GP

Kimi Antonelli has lost his second-row start for the 2026 Hungarian Formula 1 Grand Prix after receiving a three-place grid penalty for a yellow-flag infringement in qualifying at the Hungaroring.

The Mercedes driver had originally qualified fourth fastest. He provisionally gained one position after Lewis Hamilton received his own three-place grid drop for impeding Oscar Piastri at the end of Q3.

However, a post-qualifying investigation concluded that Antonelli failed to slow sufficiently while passing through a yellow-flag zone. He was found to have breached Appendix H, Article 2.5.5 b) of the International Sporting Code and B1.8.4a of the FIA Formula 1 Regulations.

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The stewards’ decision sends Antonelli back down the starting order for Sunday’s race. The penalty adds to the challenge facing the championship leader as he attempts to extend his advantage at the 2026 Hungarian Formula 1 Grand Prix.

Antonelli became the second driver to receive a grid penalty following qualifying at the Hungaroring. Hamilton also lost three places after being judged to have impeded Piastri while the McLaren driver was on a flying lap.

The two penalties produced further changes to the leading section of the grid. Antonelli must now begin the race from a lower position after losing the second-row start he had initially secured.