Andrea Kimi Antonelli showed why Mercedes decided to put trust in him in difficult wet conditions at Albert Park on Sunday. The 18-year-old rookie started from 16th on the grid, after floor problems in qualifying, and, despite a spin during the race, managed to fight his way through the field. By the time the chequered flag waved, he had impressively climbed to fourth place in hus debut race.

However, his result was briefly put in doubt. Shortly after making a clean overtake on Williams driver Alex Albon for fourth place, Antonelli was penalised for an unsafe release in the pit lane. The stewards handed him a five-second time penalty, dropping him down to fifth. The decision was frustrating for both Antonelli and Mercedes, as they believed it was not a fair call.

Determined to challenge the penalty, Mercedes requested a right of review. After the stewards looked at new roll-hoop camera footage (evidence that was not available during the race) they decided to overturn the penalty. This meant Antonelli was reinstated to fourth place.

The official statement reads: 

“The petitioner provided video from the roll hoop camera which was previously unavailable. 

“This video was relevant and significant in the opinion of the Stewards and was unavailable at the time of the original decision (having only been downloaded from the Formula One camera post-race). 

“Having examined the new video, plus additional video previously not available to the Stewards and taken from the helicopter, the Stewards decide to reverse the previous Decision.  

“As a result the penalty on Car 12 in Document number 43 is removed and no further action is required. 

“It is clear that Car 12 did not cross into the fast lane until a significant distance down the pit lane and only after the driver checked his mirror to confirm clearance with Car 27.  

“The roll hoop camera shows that he had sufficient room to safely pass the McLaren pits without risk to the McLaren mechanics.”