The Austrian Grand Prix came to an early end for Max Verstappen, who was forced to retire after a collision with Mercedes debutant Kimi Antonelli. The young Italian locked his brakes while approaching the third turn and crashed into the rear of Verstappen’s Red Bull. The Dutch driver immediately knew the extent of the damage and, defeated, exited his vehicle.
This marks only the second time in the last 75 races that Verstappen has failed to see the checkered flag. Moreover, it brings an end to his impressive streak of scoring points in 31 consecutive races. “F*cking idiot,” he sighed over the team radio. “Someone slammed into me hard.” Andrea Kimi Antonelli immediately apologized to Mercedes; after all, the incident also meant the end of the race for him. The pair left the circuit together, with Verstappen visibly irritated.
