Mercedes Driver Kimi Antonelli Reveals Ligament Strain Behind Protective Wrist Brace Following Historic China Grand Prix Victory

Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli clarifies his ligament strain injury following his record-breaking China win as he prepares for the Japanese Grand Prix.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 26, 2026, 11:30 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from PlanetF1

Managing Internal Strain Amid Championship Success

Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli has confirmed that he is currently utilizing a medical wrist brace to manage a ligament strain sustained during the Australian Grand Prix weekend. Despite the injury, the teenage sensation arrived at the Suzuka paddock in Japan expressing full confidence in his ability to drive the W17 at a competitive level. Antonelli explained that while the injury requires support to heal properly, it did not hinder his performance in Shanghai, where he secured a historic maiden victory just two weeks ago.

The Origins of the Albert Park Incident

The injury was the result of a violent high-speed crash during the third practice session at Albert Park three weeks prior. Antonelli lost control of his vehicle at Turn 1 after clipping a kerb, which sent the car spinning into the barriers with an impact force recorded at over 25G. While the Italian was able to finish second in the Grand Prix following the accident, the internal strain became more apparent during the transition to the Chinese round of the championship, necessitating the use of specialized strapping.

Medical Assessment and Recovery Timeline

Medical professionals observing the driver in Japan noted that the splint appears designed to immobilize the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint at the base of the thumb. Mercedes representatives categorized the brace as a "precautionary" measure to ensure the joint receives adequate support during the high-stress environment of Formula 1 racing. Under normal circumstances, such ligament injuries typically require six to eight weeks of protection to achieve a full recovery, a timeline that Antonelli is navigating while maintaining his race schedule.