Antonelli's Monza crash prompts Russell's cost cap concerns

Russell proposes exempting rookie crashes from F1’s cost cap, following Antonelli’s expensive accident at the Italian Grand Prix.

In confirming two rookie outings per car for the 2025 F1 season, George Russell has urged the FIA to exempt such incidents from the cost cap in the event of a mishap, following Kimi Antonelli’s crash in the W14 at Monza.

Antonelli, who was making one of Mercedes F1’s young driver appearances for the 2024 season, was behind the wheel of Russell’s car during the opening practice session of the Italian Grand Prix.

Despite showing impressive pace by setting the fastest time on his very first flying lap, the Italian pushed too hard on his second attempt and lost control of the car.

Losing the rear of the W14 at high speed through the Parabolica, the 18-year-old spun into the gravel and struck the barriers with an impact registering 52G.

As a result, Russell was forced to miss the opening minutes of FP2 while Mercedes worked to repair his car.

Reflecting on the incident, Antonelli recently admitted, “Russell wasn’t too pleased, but before going off at the Parabolica, I was in great shape. I have a good relationship with George—he hasn’t given me much advice, but for now, everything’s fine.”

The Mercedes 2025 driver will return to the car for FP1 in Mexico (this time in Lewis Hamilton’s), with Russell noting that while it’s fantastic for young drivers to have these opportunities, perhaps their accidents should not be counted under F1’s cost cap.

“For FP1, I think it’s great to give young drivers a chance, but maybe if there’s damage from a crash, it shouldn’t be included within the budget cap.”

“We’re all very close to the financial regulations. If a young driver were to damage the car, then perhaps that should be treated separately.”

“Next year, there will be four rookie outings instead of two, so that’s double the potential risk for accidents.”

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff conceded that Antonelli’s Monza crash was likely the first of many in his F1 career.

“These things happen, and they’ll happen again next year. But there will also be plenty of high points. The budget always accounts for accidents, within the usual range. Some years you get lucky, others much less so.”

“But I like George’s idea! We’ll see if we can propose it to the F1 Commission.”