The Austrian GP was a dramatic event for Andrea Kimi Antonelli. The young Mercedes driver, who celebrated his first podium during the previous race weekend in Canada, dropped out in the first round in Spielberg. In the process, Antonelli also hit the car of reigning world champion Max Verstappen, who also had to retire. Afterwards, Antonelli expressed regret, although he had to pay for the incident with a three-place grid penalty and two penalty points.
“I want to apologize first and foremost to the team and to Max (Verstappen),” a shaken Kimi Antonelli responded to Viaplay. “Of course, he couldn’t do anything about it. I immediately apologized on the circuit. It was just a mistake, combined with a bit of bad luck. I wanted to brake and steer, but the front wheels locked. Everything that happened after that was disastrous.”
Both drivers left the circuit together, deep in conversation. What exactly was discussed? “I just immediately apologized,” repeated the 18-year-old Italian. “It was just a very stupid action, and I feel very guilty towards him.” The FIA gave Antonelli a three-place grid penalty for the upcoming British GP and two penalty points on his racing license.
