Kimi Antonelli learns live on camera that he will start third after Isack Hadjar's grid penalty.

Kimi Antonelli discovered during a post-qualifying interview that he would start third for the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia rather than fourth due to Isack Hadjar's five-place penalty. The Mercedes driver's face lit up when informed of his promotion, transforming his initially subdued demeanor into excitement.

Hadjar received the penalty for taking his seventh internal combustion engine of the season, exceeding the permitted four-unit allocation. The grid reshuffle moved Antonelli ahead despite his own qualifying struggles at Sepang International Circuit.

Antonelli expressed optimism about the race despite acknowledging Red Bull's pace advantage and Ferrari's competitive threat. He emphasized the importance of track position and tire management in Malaysia's challenging conditions while remaining hopeful about fighting for victory if circumstances align.