Max Verstappen described his first-lap retirement at the Austrian Grand Prix, caused by contact with Kimi Antonelli, as merely `unlucky`, expressing a desire for the incident to end speculation about his title challenge.
The incident occurred on the opening lap of Red Bull`s home race on Sunday when the Mercedes rookie Antonelli collided with Verstappen`s car at Turn 3. Antonelli was subsequently issued a three-place grid penalty for the upcoming British Grand Prix because of this collision.
Having started the race 43 points behind championship leader Oscar Piastri, Verstappen`s retirement severely impacted his already slim prospects of retaining his title this season. With Piastri securing second place, the points difference between them extended to 61.
“It`s just unlucky, similar to yesterday in qualifying,” commented Verstappen. “Overall, our pace wasn`t particularly strong this weekend anyway, so there`s much for us to learn to hopefully perform better next weekend. However, today`s outcome is certainly not ideal.”
“These things happen,” he added, “every driver has made a mistake like that at some point.”
“Every driver makes mistakes like this in their careers. Kimi is a significant talent; he races to win, which is perfectly fine. Nobody causes these incidents intentionally.”
Regarding the impact on his championship hopes, Verstappen remarked: “Hopefully now people won`t talk about it too much anymore.”
Verstappen, who started seventh, had already overtaken Liam Lawson at Turn 1 and was positioning his Red Bull to challenge competitors ahead just as he was hit by Antonelli.
Over team radio, Verstappen exclaimed, “I`m out, I got hit … F—ing idiots.”
Antonelli, aiming to pass Liam Lawson and Gabriel Bortoleto for sixth position, locked his brakes and moved towards the inside of the corner.
Unable to sufficiently slow his car, the Mercedes rookie went past the corner`s apex and collided with Verstappen.
Both cars ended up in the Turn 3 run-off area, resulting in immediate retirement for both drivers.
Antonelli radioed his team, “Sorry about that. I locked the rear, sorry.” He later reiterated his apology.
Speaking to the media afterwards, Antonelli explained, “I didn`t necessarily brake too late, but when I did, I braked hard, and at that moment, I locked the rear wheels, and I simply couldn`t turn the car. I was approaching too quickly, making the crash unavoidable. I feel genuinely sorry for the team and, of course, for Max.”
Dominic Ashworth