Mercedes react to grid penalties in Bahrain: 'Still have a chance!'

22:13, 12 Apr

byKada Sarkozi

Both George Russell and Andrea Kimi Antonelli received a one-place grid penalty for the Bahrain GP. Here is how the German team reacted to the news.

Russell and Antonelli finished in P2 and P4 respectively in the session, but will start from P3 and P5 as a result of these penalties handed out by the stewards.

After the session, talking to Sky Sports, team principal Toto Wolff said he hopes his drivers will not be penalised for the team 'jumping the gun'.

"Ultimately, following the post-session penalty, we will start P3 and P5 tomorrow. That still gives us a good chance of fighting for the podium. This is one of the most race pace-biased Grands Prix of the year so, if we have the pace in the car, both George and Kimi will hopefully be able to move forward," Wolff said in Mercedes' press release after the penalties were announced.

Russell and Antonelli react

"It was a really strong Q3. I wasn't really feeling the strongest through Qualifying. I didn't have the confidence and Q1 and Q2 were a real challenge. In Q3 I got back into my normal rhythm, put in some strong laps and I was really surprised to be so close to pole, ahead of one of the McLarens with Charles [Leclerc] up there too. Whilst we will ultimately start P3, it is still a good place to be for tomorrow," Russell explained.

Antonelli also remained positive despite this penalty, and is very happy with his result achieved at the Bahrain International Circuit.

"It wasn't easy but I'm happy that I put together a decent lap. I made a few mistakes here and there across the session, but overall, it's still my highest grid position of the season despite the post-session penalty and I'm looking forward to tomorrow. My confidence is continuing to build but I'm still learning. This is another good step forward for me."