Max Verstappen`s race at the Austrian Grand Prix came to an abrupt end on the opening lap following contact with Mercedes rookie Kimi Antonelli. The incident occurred at Turn 3 during Red Bull`s home race on Sunday. Verstappen described the collision as “unlucky” and humorously suggested he hoped this result would finally put an end to speculation about his challenge for the title this year.
Antonelli was subsequently handed a three-place grid penalty for the upcoming British Grand Prix as a consequence of the crash.
The retirement represented a significant setback for Verstappen`s championship aspirations. He started the race trailing championship leader Oscar Piastri by 43 points, and with Piastri securing a second-place finish, the points difference grew to 61.
Commenting on the race outcome, Verstappen remarked, “It`s just unlucky, like yesterday in qualifying.” He added, “But overall, we didn`t really have that great pace anyway this weekend, so a lot of learning for us how we can hopefully do better next weekend. But of course, not an ideal result today.”
He adopted a forgiving perspective regarding Antonelli`s error: “It happens, you know, I mean, every driver has made a mistake like that. Everyone has made a mistake like that in their careers. Kimi is a very big talent. He wants to win, you know, and that`s all fine. No one does these things on purpose.”
When asked about the impact on his title hopes, Verstappen replied, “Hopefully then people will not mention it too much anymore.”
Verstappen, who had started seventh, had gained a position on Liam Lawson at Turn 1 and was preparing to make further progress when Antonelli`s car made contact. Immediately following the impact, a frustrated Verstappen voiced his feelings over the team radio, saying, “I`m out, I got hit … F***ing idiots.”
Describing the sequence from his perspective, Antonelli explained that he was attempting to overtake Liam Lawson and Gabriel Bortoleto for sixth place when he locked his brakes during an lunge towards the inside of the corner. Unable to slow his car sufficiently, the Mercedes driver ran wide and collided with Verstappen.
Both vehicles ended up in the Turn 3 run-off area and were forced to withdraw from the race.
Antonelli promptly apologized over his team radio, stating, “Sorry about that. I locked the rear, sorry.” He reiterated and expanded upon his apology later in the media interview area: “I didn`t necessarily brake too late… But when I did I broke hard and in that moment I locked the rears and I just couldn`t turn the car. It was too late because I was arriving too quick. The crash was inevitable. I just feel super sorry to the team, and to Max of course.”
