# Kimi Antonelli's P3 Bahrain GP Reaction

> Kimi Antonelli smiles after learning he'll start Bahrain GP P3.
- Title: Kimi Antonelli's P3 Bahrain GP Reaction · Motorsport
- Summary: Kimi Antonelli smiles after learning he'll start Bahrain GP P3. Kimi Antonelli expressed relief after learning he'd start Bahrain GP P3 due to a grid penalty…
- Keywords: kimi antonelli, mercedes, bahrain gp, grid penalty, hadjar, sports, cars, Kimi, Antonelli's, Bahrain, Reaction, Motorsport
- Source: Motorsport — https://motorsport.com/f1/news/kimi-antonellis-priceless-reaction-after-learning-he-will-start-bahrain-gp-p3/10861564
- Author: Alex Harrington
- Published: 2026-10-03T12:58:37+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: kimi antonelli, mercedes, bahrain gp, f1, p3, grid penalty, hadjar, sports, cars
## Antonelli learns P3 promotion
Antonelli learned of his P3 promotion live during qualifying after struggling to extract performance from his Mercedes machinery.
## Antonelli's initial reaction
Antonelli responded before his brain caught up, saying, 'Yeah, I mean it's... you know, definitely... Oh wait, I'm starting P3 tomorrow?'

> Yeah, I mean it's... you know, definitely... Oh wait, I'm starting P3 tomorrow?
## Hadjar's grid penalty
Hadjar received a grid penalty for using his seventh internal combustion engine this season.
## Antonelli's race strategy
Antonelli believes Red Bull has the upper edge on race pace, but he'll focus on track position and tire management for a potential win.
## Antonelli's race confidence
Antonelli expressed confidence in his ability to fight for a win or settle for P2 or P3 if needed.
## Key takeaway

Kimi Antonelli expressed relief after learning he'd start Bahrain GP P3 due to a grid penalty for Hadjar.