Kimi Antonelli holds onto his first podium finish in Formula 1 after the stewards’ investigation into the Mercedes driver for a Safety Car infringement at the Canadian Grand Prix only led to a warning.
The Italian rookie claimed a top-three finish at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve after starting from fourth on the grid.
After leaping ahead of Oscar Piastri at the race start, he managed to fend off the Australian driver for most of the race.
He proceeded to keep the McLaren pair at bay before they came to blows in the latter stages.
![Alpine Managing Director Steve Nielsen [pictured with Executive Advisor Flavio Briatore] is stern in his belief Mercedes has acted correctly](https://www.motorsportweek.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Alpine-Steve-Nielsen-Flavio-Briatore-120x86.webp)
However, as Antonneli and several drivers crossed the line, they were noted for overtaking under Safety Car conditions after the chequered flag, which could have resulted in the 18-year-old losing his podium finish.
The other drivers involved were Oscar Piastri, Charles Leclerc, Carlos Sainz, Pierre Gasly, Esteban Ocon and Lance Stroll.
However, neither driver has been penalised as a number of warnings were handed out as a result of the investigation.
The official FIA document regarding Antonelli’s case stated: “The driver overtook other cars after the chequered flag, but while Safety Car signals were still being displayed, following an incident on the start/finish straight involving Car 4 (Lando Norris) and Car 81 (Oscar Piastri).
“While passing after the chequered flag is not unusual, it is prohibited in the case of yellow flags, Safety Car or Virtual Safety Car procedures.
“While the drivers were aware of where the incident was, they could not have known if emergency equipment or marshals were being dispatched onto the track, and so have to proceed with caution.
“We are therefore warning the driver concerned, along with all other competitors.”
The same reasoning was used for each driver.
READ MORE – George Russell wins F1 Canadian GP as McLaren drivers clash
![Alpine Managing Director Steve Nielsen [pictured with Executive Advisor Flavio Briatore] is stern in his belief Mercedes has acted correctly](https://www.motorsportweek.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Alpine-Steve-Nielsen-Flavio-Briatore-350x250.webp)
![Alpine Managing Director Steve Nielsen [pictured with Executive Advisor Flavio Briatore] is stern in his belief Mercedes has acted correctly](https://www.motorsportweek.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Alpine-Steve-Nielsen-Flavio-Briatore-360x180.webp)
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