Verstappen's Austrian GP Hopes Dashed in First-Lap Collision with Antonelli

Verstappen's Austrian GP Cut Short After Antonelli Collision

Max Verstappen experienced a premature end to his Austrian Grand Prix after a first-lap incident involving Kimi Antonelli. The Red Bull driver labeled the collision as "unlucky," but expressed hope that it would temper expectations surrounding his championship aspirations.

The incident occurred at Turn 3, where Antonelli, the Mercedes rookie, made contact with Verstappen's car. As a result of the collision, Antonelli received a three-place grid penalty for the upcoming British Grand Prix.

Verstappen started the race trailing championship leader Oscar Piastri by 43 points. The retirement has widened the gap to 61 points, with Piastri securing second place.

"It's just unlucky, like yesterday in qualifying," Verstappen stated. "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 further added, "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 of the result on his title hopes, Verstappen responded, "Hopefully then people will not mention it too much anymore."

Verstappen, who qualified seventh, overtook Liam Lawson at Turn 1 and was preparing to challenge the cars ahead when Antonelli made contact.

Antonelli was vying for sixth position, attempting to overtake Lawson and Gabriel Bortoleto when he locked his brakes and made a lunge on the inside of the corner. Unable to decelerate in time, the Mercedes rookie overshot the apex and collided with Verstappen. Both cars ended up in the Turn 3 run-off area, forcing their retirement from the race.

"Sorry about that. I locked the rear, sorry," Antonelli communicated over team radio, reiterating his apology later.

"I didn't necessarily brake too late," he explained in the media pen. "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."