Spielberg, Austria — The Red Bull Ring was left stunned on Sunday as three-time world champion Max Verstappen suffered a dramatic and heartbreaking early exit from the Austrian Grand Prix, following a first-lap collision with rookie Kimi Antonelli.
Starting from seventh on the grid, Verstappen looked poised for a classic charge through the field, immediately gaining ground on the run into Turn 1. But the promise of redemption was abruptly shattered just moments later at Turn 3.
As the pack bunched under braking, Mercedes newcomer Kimi Antonelli misjudged his entry, losing control and slamming into the rear of Verstappen’s Red Bull. The contact sent both cars spinning off track, with terminal damage forcing Verstappen out of the race — his first DNF of the 2025 season and first lap-one retirement since Sakhir 2020.
Visibly frustrated, Verstappen exited his car to the silence of a shocked Red Bull garage and a stunned Austrian crowd, many of whom had gathered in anticipation of a strong home result.
“This is not how we wanted today to go,” Verstappen said briefly before leaving the paddock. “We had the pace to fight, but sometimes things are taken out of your hands.”
The incident is under review by the F1 stewards and could have significant implications for Antonelli, whose debut season has now included four non-scores in five races. The young Italian also retired from the race shortly after the collision.
Meanwhile, Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz failed to even make the starting grid, retiring on the formation lap due to a mechanical issue, compounding what quickly became a chaotic and emotionally charged afternoon in Austria.
What was meant to be a celebration of speed and strategy turned into a day of despair for the Red Bull team and their Dutch superstar. Verstappen’s title campaign takes a blow, and questions now swirl about Antonelli’s aggressive approach as the paddock reflects on a race defined by what might have been.
Austrian heartbreak for Verstappen—undone not by failure, but by misfortune.
