F1 Announces Bad News For Kimi Antonelli, Charles Leclerc At Barcelona-Catalunya Gp
The last practice session before the Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix was not just a source of useful data for teams and drivers; it was a lot more. The FIA had a lot to do with a series of incidents, as both Kimi Antonelli and Charles Leclerc were handed official sanctions after separate investigations on Saturday.
While neither driver was hit with a grid penalty ahead of qualifying and Sunday's race, the decisions nevertheless served as an unwelcome distraction during a crucial weekend in Spain.
Kimi Antonelli and Charles Leclerc are warned by the FIA
Antonelli found himself in the stewards' office after a clash with Aston Martin driver Fernando Alonso in Free Practice 3. The FIA report says Antonelli was "erratic" when he was overtaken by Alonso as he approached Turn 2. During the hearing, the Italian acknowledged that his actions were motivated by frustration, and he apologized.
The stewards, after examining the telemetry, on-board video, and video evidence, determined that Antonelli had violated Appendix L of the International Sporting Code. The Mercedes youngster was therefore handed an official reprimand, which is his first of the 2026 Formula 1 season.
The move follows a period of heavy pressure on Antonelli, who is one of the sport's most highly rated young talents. The 19-year-old has impressed in his second season with Mercedes, but was frustrated during the last practice session as a clash of personalities briefly surfaced on track.
The stewards also summoned Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc after he was involved in an impeding incident with Nico Hulkenberg in FP3.
The FIA concluded that Leclerc was interfering with Hulkenberg's car as he was driving slowly through Turn 5 as the German came in on a push lap. After an investigation, the stewards decided that Ferrari had not given Leclerc enough warning of the approaching car.
Consequently, Leclerc and Ferrari were spared a sporting penalty but received formal warnings. The FIA said that Ferrari said that it is its standard practice to alert drivers when another car is coming up on a fast lap, but in this case, it failed to do so.
Fernando Alonso Handed A Penalty At His Last Barcelona-Catalunya GP
The Antonelli incident also put Fernando Alonso in the spotlight of one of Saturday's talking points. The Aston Martin legend was caught up in the events that culminated in the reprimand of the Mercedes rookie in front of his home fans.
DOC 52 - Infringement - Car 14 - PU elements and changes used during Parc Ferme https://t.co/nVLPv627jK#BarcelonaGP#F1#FIApic.twitter.com/3dtRERnx07
— FIA (@fia) June 14, 2026
Alonso was penalised in possibly his last start at Barcelona-Catalunya GP. The Spanish icon starts from the pit lane.
However, both Antonelli and Leclerc will now be keen to move on from the FIA issues and aim to deliver a good performance as they await the qualifying and Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix.
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This story was originally published June 14, 2026 at 5:17 AM.