Kimi Antonelli crash shakes Australian Grand Prix final practice as Piastri paces FP3

Final practice in Melbourne was interrupted by barrier repairs and a significant incident for kimi antonelli, who suffered a heavy crash at Turn 2 as teams prepared for qualifying later today. McLaren's Oscar Piastri set the fastest time in the session, while multiple stops and a reshuffle in pit-lane activity left the paddock working against the clock.

Kimi Antonelli crash and immediate fallout

Kimi Antonelli lost the car on the curb entering Turn 2 and slammed rearwards into a concrete wall, sustaining substantial damage that will require repairs before qualifying. The driver reported on the radio that he was OK. Team personnel and leadership were visibly concerned after replays of the impact, and the garage is now focused on preparing the car for the next track session.

Final practice interruptions, times and session context

The final practice session had an interrupted rhythm: a delayed start while barriers were repaired, periods under a Virtual Safety Car, and a red flag while a stopped car was removed from the pit-lane entry. Carlos Sainz's car stopped in the entry to the pit lane, prompting a yellow flag and later removal by the stewards. At one point the pit-lane entrance was closed so cars could not return to the garages; it later reopened to allow teams to bring machines back in.

Despite the disruption, McLaren's Oscar Piastri emerged fastest during final practice. A standout flying lap from another competitor set a 1: 19. 053 time at one stage of the session, underlining the quick early pace on the revised machinery. Teams also used the session for practice starts and to acclimatize to the new procedures and cars introduced this season.

Weekend implications: qualifying, damaged cars and team issues

Qualifying is scheduled later in the day, and the crash for Kimi Antonelli creates a late logistical challenge for his team as they work to rebuild a heavily damaged car. The broader running order and reliability questions were highlighted by several teams struggling with mechanical or garage issues; one manufacturer team faced engine-related problems that threaten its ability to run on Sunday, and another crew had a senior driver out of the car while mechanics performed extensive work.

The choice of tyre compounds for the race remains the three softest ranges: C3 (white hard), C4 (yellow medium) and C5 (red soft), consistent with last year’s selection, giving teams a familiar starting point even as they adapt to the new cars and regulations introduced this season. With final practice disrupted and repair work ongoing, the next few hours will be decisive in setting the grid and clarifying whether early pace will translate into pole and race-day performance.

What to watch before qualifying

• Recovery work on the heavily damaged car involved in the Turn 2 impact and whether repairs are completed in time for qualifying.
• Any additional session interruptions that could limit flying laps after a practice already affected by barrier repair and stopped cars.
• Whether the strong lap from the front-runners during practice holds up when the cars are pushed for single-lap runs in qualifying.

Recent developments indicate the session remains fluid; details may evolve as teams complete repairs and prepare for the decisive qualifying session later today.