“Not a Big Deal,” Max Verstappen Responds to First Lap Carnage by Kimi Antonelli at Austrian GP

Max Verstappen had some heartwarming words for Kimi Antonelli as the Dutchman wanted the Mercedes rookie to learn from his mistake.

“Not a Big Deal,” Max Verstappen Responds to First Lap Carnage by Kimi Antonelli at Austrian GP

Kimi Antonelli and Max Verstappen (via Red Bull)

Max Verstappen suffered from a disappointing end to the Austrian GP as he crashed out on Lap 1. The Dutchman was already having a bad weekend after qualifying in seventh place. Still, the 27-year-old gained one position on Turn 1, which went to ruins by the third corner. Kimi Antonelli crashed into the back of Verstappen and caused both of them to retire from the race. However, the reigning world champion doesn’t hold any grudges against the rookie despite losing on crucial points.

Max Verstappen was unable to put on a show for Red Bull’s home fans at the Austrian GP. The 27-year-old was already confused with the team’s disaster during the Qualifying as he started the race in P7. Still, Verstappen wasn’t going to go down without a fight if it weren’t for the Lap 1 DNF. Now, the Dutchman reveals Kimi Antonelli‘s apologetic reaction to the crash.

Kimi Antonelli and Max Verstappen were already spotted having a chat outside the crashed cars. Verstappen is already known for having a heartwarming attitude towards the rookies on track, as it has been proven even more from this interaction. Moreover, Antonelli immediately visited the Red Bull hospitality for damage limitation after things seemed to cool down.

Verstappen revealed that he had already had a chat with Kimi Antonelli as the latter visited the team’s hospitality. The 27-year-old reckoned that every driver has made such silly mistakes in their life, as this was Antonelli’s first time too. The reigning world champion asserted that no one collides like this on purpose as he rules out any wrongdoing on the Italian’s part. The Red Bull star concluded that the entire incident wasn’t a big deal for him despite losing crucial points in his championship ambitions.

I spoke to Kimi also, he came quickly to the hospitality. I think every driver has made a mistake like that, no one does that on purpose.… So for me that’s not a big deal.

Max Verstappen said as reported by ESPN

Max Verstappen asserts Kimi Antonelli to ‘learn’ from Austrian GP clash

Kimi Antonelli has emerged as one of the best rookies, if not the best, in the 2025 season. Despite being quick off the racing line, such incidents are bound to happen at some point. Antonelli will also serve the due course and visit the stewards, and risk getting a grid penalty at the upcoming British GP. Still, Max Verstappen hoped that the 18-year-old learns from such mistakes and does not commit them in the future.

Max Verstappen and Kimi Antonelli (via Red Bull)
Max Verstappen and Kimi Antonelli (via Red Bull)

Max Verstappen revealed that he watched the entire footage of the crash after coming back to the garage. The 27-year-old accepted that such incidents happen, as he doesn’t want to get on too badly with Kimi Antonelli. Moreover, the four-time world champion claimed that Antonelli is a very big talent with great potential in the future. Hence, the Dutchman insisted that all will be good once the rookie learns from such mistakes on track.

And yeah, then, of course, I saw the footage one once I came back [to the garage], and it happens. And also, Kimi is a very big talent, so he learns from that, and that’s all fine.

Max Verstappen said, as reported by RacingNews365

Verstappen would now like to forget the Austrian GP and put it in the past. The point disparity between him and the championship leader, Oscar Piastri, has now increased to 61 points as his chances seem to have depleted even more. Still, the 2025 season has 13 races pending, as anything can happen in the remaining rounds. Red Bull will have to fire all cylinders to maximize results and enable the Dutchman’s winning chances.

Read More: “Intense,” Oscar Piastri Exhausted over Failed Chase Against Lando Norris at Austrian GP