Kimi Antonelli sidelined as Azerbaijan GP qualifying reaches Q3

Mercedes driver and Formula 1 championship leader Kimi Antonelli was unable to continue competing in qualifying for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix in Baku.

According to Report, Antonelli advanced to the second qualifying session but did not take part in it. The Italian moved his car to the side of the track and watched the remainder of the session from the sidelines.

Six drivers were eliminated after the opening qualifying session: Gabriel Bortoleto, Nico Hülkenberg, Fernando Alonso, Sergio Pérez, Lance Stroll and Valtteri Bottas.

A further five drivers subsequently ended their qualifying campaigns: Oliver Bearman, Liam Lawson, Alex Albon, Esteban Ocon and Arvid Lindblad.

All drivers representing Red Bull, Ferrari, McLaren and Alpine advanced to the final qualifying segment. Mercedes and Williams each have one driver through to Q3, where the pole position winner will be determined.

The Azerbaijan Grand Prix is scheduled to conclude on September 26.

By Tamilla Hasanova