During the recent race, Mercedes has come forward to defend their driver, Antonelli, regarding a controversial penalty. The team states that Antonelli did not cause the two-centimeter jump start penalty that was imposed on him, challenging the race officials' decision.
The incident in question involved a very slight movement at the start, which led to the penalty. Mercedes argues that this minor movement was not intentional and did not give Antonelli any unfair advantage. They emphasize that the penalty was based on a very minimal jump, measuring just two centimeters, which they believe does not warrant such a sanction.
Mercedes' defense highlights the importance of precise measurements and the potential for misjudgment in start procedures. They suggest that the decision may have been overly strict, considering the negligible movement involved. The team is now calling for a review of the penalty, asserting that Antonelli's start was within acceptable limits and did not violate race regulations.
Race officials have yet to respond to Mercedes' claims, and the controversy surrounding the penalty continues to be a topic of discussion among fans and analysts. The incident underscores the challenges of enforcing start rules in high-stakes racing, where even the smallest movements can lead to penalties. As the debate unfolds, many are watching to see if the penalty will be upheld or overturned upon review.
Antonelli and Mercedes remain confident that the penalty was unjustified, and the team is preparing to present their case in the upcoming review. This incident serves as a reminder of the precision required in Formula racing and the ongoing scrutiny of race officials' decisions.