Max Verstappen and Kimi Antonelli experienced a dramatic collision during the Austrian Grand Prix, which led to both drivers retiring from the race. The incident occurred when Antonelli misjudged the third corner, resulting in a collision with Verstappen's Red Bull.

Verstappen's Reaction

Verstappen, known for his composure, stated, "Every driver has made a mistake like that." He emphasized that Antonelli is a talented driver who will learn from the experience. "Kimi is a very big talent, so he learns from that, you know, and that's all fine," Verstappen added.

Antonelli's Apology

Antonelli immediately apologized to Verstappen after the incident. Verstappen appreciated the gesture, saying, "It's, of course, very nice. But, for me, it was already case closed anyway. I saw what happened. No-one does these things on their own purpose. It can happen."

Consequences and Penalties

As a result of the collision, Antonelli received a three-place grid penalty for the upcoming British Grand Prix. The young Italian driver explained that he was caught off guard by cars braking in front of him, leading to the unfortunate incident.

Impact on the Championship

Verstappen's retirement was a significant blow to his drivers' championship aspirations. With McLaren securing a one-two finish with Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, Verstappen now trails Piastri by 61 points.

Looking Ahead

Despite the setback, Verstappen remains focused on improving his car's performance. "We just take it race by race. And we try to just find more performance with the car. Try to learn from all the things that we are doing. And then, we'll see what happens," he said.

Upgrades and Challenges

Verstappen mentioned that Red Bull has further upgrades in the pipeline, but he remains cautious about their impact. "There are bits coming. Is it enough to challenge McLaren? I'm not sure yet. Probably not," he admitted. However, he expressed confidence in his team's efforts to push for better results.

Conclusion

The collision between Verstappen and Antonelli serves as a reminder of the challenges and unpredictability in Formula 1. Both drivers demonstrated sportsmanship and a commitment to learning from their experiences, highlighting the resilience required in this high-stakes sport.