Kimi Antonelli has withdrawn from the Azerbaijan Grand Prix following serious allegations reportedly made by his former girlfriend, Eliska Babickova
The development sent shockwaves through the Formula 1 paddock just hours before the highly anticipated race weekend in Baku. Antonelli had been preparing for another important round of the championship when reports surrounding the allegations began circulating.
According to the account, Babickova has made allegations of sexual assault against the 20-year-old Italian driver. The claims have not been established as fact, and no conclusion about the allegations should be drawn without evidence and due legal process.
A statement attributed to Mercedes said: “Given the seriousness of the allegations that have emerged, Kimi will step away from this weekend’s Azerbaijan Grand Prix while the appropriate procedures take place. The team will not comment further while the matter is being addressed.”
Antonelli would also deny the allegations in the story, with his representatives stating that he intends to cooperate with any legitimate investigation.
The development would represent a dramatic interruption to what has otherwise been an extraordinary 2026 campaign for Antonelli. In reality, he enters the Azerbaijan weekend as the championship leader, having recorded eight Grand Prix victories and a substantial points advantage over Mercedes teammate George Russell.
The controversy would inevitably attract intense attention from fans, journalists and the wider motorsport community. However, the principles of due process would remain important, with allegations distinguished from proven facts.
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