Reigning Formula 1 World Champion Max Verstappen has spoken out following the dramatic crash at the Austrian Grand Prix involving rookie driver Kimi Antonelli. The incident, which sparked controversy in the paddock and on social media, saw both drivers tangled up during a crucial phase of the race.
Antonelli, widely seen as one of the most promising young talents in motorsport, took full responsibility for the collision and issued a heartfelt apology after the race.
“I’m truly sorry for what happened today,” Antonelli said. “I misjudged the situation, and I never intended to compromise Max’s race. I’ve learned a lot from this, and I’ll do better going forward.”
Verstappen, known for his fiery competitiveness but also his fairness, responded candidly when asked about the crash.
“These things happen in racing,” Verstappen said. “Kimi made a mistake, and he owned up to it, which I respect. He’s still learning, and we’ve all been there at some point. What matters is how he bounces back.”
While the crash disrupted Verstappen’s rhythm and affected his final position, the Dutchman emphasized the importance of keeping focus.
“We lost points today, but the season is long. What matters is that we move forward, and hopefully Kimi learns from this,” he added.
The incident may have cost Red Bull some valuable ground in the championship battle, but Verstappen’s measured response suggests no lingering tension between the two drivers. As the F1 circus heads to Silverstone, all eyes will be on how both competitors rebound from a chaotic weekend in Austria.