Kimi Antonelli hit with a major pre-race scare in Singapore

The 2026 Singapore Grand Prix faced a pre-race scare as chaos erupted on the starting grid just moments before the race was set to begin. Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team driver Andrea Kimi Antonelli, who was in fourth position, was preparing to launch from the grid when his mechanics discovered a critical issue with the front brake assembly.

A frantic trackside repair ensued, with Mercedes mechanics rapidly attending to the front-right wheel assembly and cockpit bulkhead. Trackside updates confirmed the late issue, as the crew worked frantically to fix the brake problem before the countdown clock expired. Given the Marina Bay Street Circuit's reputation for demanding brake wear, heat dissipation, and hydraulic stability, a compromised brake system could have resulted in a catastrophic crash.

With race leader Antonelli's car facing the late brake issue, the entire scoring haul from Mercedes rested on his shoulders. Any brake-induced retirement would significantly impact Antonelli's 84-point lead in the Drivers' Championship, potentially allowing Max Verstappen from Red Bull Racing and Ferrari to gain ground.