In a dramatic fallout from the Austrian Grand Prix, Mercedes rookie Andrea Kimi Antonelli has been handed a three-place grid penalty and two penalty points on his FIA Super License following a first-lap collision with Red Bull’s Max Verstappen. The penalty will be served at this weekend’s British Grand Prix at Silverstone.
The Incident
The collision occurred on the opening lap at Turn 3 of the Red Bull Ring. As the field bunched up under braking, Antonelli locked up and collided with Verstappen, sending both drivers out of the race immediately. The crash marked Verstappen’s second retirement in three races and dealt another blow to his title defense.
Antonelli, who is in his debut Formula 1 season with Mercedes, accepted responsibility post-race. “I locked the rears trying to slow down with the pack ahead of me. It was my mistake, and I feel terrible for Max and the team,” he told reporters.
Stewards’ Decision
Following a post-race investigation, the stewards determined that Antonelli was wholly at fault for the incident and that it was avoidable, even under the congested conditions typical of a race start.
A statement from the FIA read:
“While opening-lap incidents are generally afforded more leniency due to the complexity of the racing situation, in this case, the driver of Car 67 [Antonelli] failed to take sufficient care under braking. As such, he is issued a three-place grid penalty and two penalty points on his Super License.”
The ruling means Antonelli will drop three positions from wherever he qualifies at Silverstone. He now has four penalty points, halfway to the 12-point threshold that would result in an automatic race ban.
Reactions
Max Verstappen, visibly frustrated after the race, took a measured stance when speaking to the media.
“It’s racing—things happen. Of course, it’s disappointing, but I’m sure Kimi didn’t do it on purpose,” the Red Bull driver said.
Mercedes Team Principal Toto Wolff voiced support for Antonelli, emphasizing the young driver’s maturity and ability to learn from the incident.
“He owned up to it, and that’s what matters. Mistakes are part of the growth process. We’re standing behind him 100%.”
Impact on the British Grand Prix
The penalty means Antonelli faces an uphill battle at Silverstone, one of the fastest and most technically demanding circuits on the calendar. While the Mercedes package has shown improved pace in recent rounds, a compromised grid position could impact his chances of a top-five finish.
With Verstappen looking to bounce back and Oscar Piastri currently leading the championship, the British Grand Prix is shaping up to be a crucial turning point in the 2025 title fight.
