Max Verstappen Apologises After Austrian GP Lap 1 Collision with Antonelli

Andrea Kimi Antonelli Apologises to Max Verstappen After Austrian GP DNF

Mercedes rookie Andrea Kimi Antonelli has apologised to Max Verstappen for the lap 1 collision at the Austrian Grand Prix that resulted in Verstappen's first retirement of the 2024 season.

The Incident: Verstappen suffered a DNF on Sunday in Austria after Antonelli, appearing to misjudge his braking for Turn 3 while battling Liam Lawson, speared into the Red Bull driver's sidepod. Verstappen's car sustained significant damage, forcing him out of the race.

Why it Matters: This incident ended Verstappen's remarkable streak of 31 consecutive points finishes, which had stretched back to Japan in 2024. Antonelli, meanwhile, has now retired from three of the last five races.

Antonelli Accepts Blame: Speaking to the media, Antonelli confirmed he had apologised to Verstappen immediately after the incident and intended to offer further apologies. He admitted the mistake was his own and detailed the cause:

• "Probably I should have just changed the brake setting going into T3 because I had a normal start and I was just trying to maintain position. When I went to hit the brake, I locked the rear completely and I just lost the car."
• He explained that the brake balance was too far rearward for the demands of Turn 3 on Lap 1, leading to the rear locking up. Adjusting it forward would have prevented the issue.

Verstappen was heard over team radio expressing his frustration, stating: "I'm out. I got hit like crazy. F**king idiots."

Antonelli vows to learn from the incident and come back stronger at Silverstone.