Kimi Antonelli will start the upcoming British Grand Prix at Silverstone with a three-place grid penalty after the Mercedes driver was found “fully at fault” for a dramatic opening-lap collision with Red Bull’s Max Verstappen at the 2025 Austrian GP. The stewards’ verdict arrived after both drivers were eliminated from the race in a chaotic Turn 3 incident, ending their afternoon before it ever really began.
The penalty, announced by the FIA, is the result of Antonelli locking his rear brakes and losing control of his car while approaching Turn 3. In his attempt to avoid the Racing Bulls car of Liam Lawson ahead, Antonelli released the brakes, only to find himself unable to stop, colliding directly with Verstappen’s Red Bull. The collision brought an immediate end to the race for both, forcing the safety car out and prompting a stewards’ investigation.
“I think I had a normal start, then going up to Turn 3 I was just trying to maintain the position. I didn’t want to do anything because I knew there was no space in front, but then when I hit the brake I locked the rear and I got caught by that,” Antonelli explained.
“When I locked the rear, I lost the car and then I had to first avoid the Racing Bull [of Lawson], but then I just couldn’t stop the car. Unfortunately I hit Max and I just feel very sorry towards the team, and him of course. I just apologised straight away. I recognise it’s all on me and I just feel sorry because I ended my race, but I ended his as well.”
Verstappen responds as Antonelli takes the blame
Max Verstappen, who saw his hopes of a crucial points haul slip away on the first lap, accepted Antonelli’s apology in a gesture of sportsmanship that reflects the camaraderie among drivers at the highest level. The Dutchman spoke after visiting the Mercedes hospitality to talk with the teenager directly.
“Unlucky, I guess. It is what it is. I spoke quickly to Kimi, he came with me to the hospitality,” said Verstappen. “I think every driver has made a mistake like that. No one does that on purpose as well so for me, that’s not a big deal.”
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The stewards, in their official document, emphasized that while evasive action was taken after Antonelli’s lock-up, no other cars influenced the incident and the Mercedes driver was “fully at fault.” The panel also clarified that the usual leniency for first-lap incidents was not applied in this case due to the circumstances.
Looking ahead, the three-place grid penalty at Silverstone could prove a significant setback for Antonelli as he seeks redemption on home soil for Mercedes. The additional penalty points on his license serve as a reminder of the high stakes and unforgiving nature of Formula 1 racing at the very highest level.
For Verstappen and Red Bull, attention now shifts to regrouping for the British Grand Prix as they aim to recover lost ground in both the drivers’ and constructors’ championships.
