Kimi Antonelli-Max Verstappen accident: the Dutchman speaks out

Max Verstappen’s Austrian Grand Prix ended after just three corners. At the Remus Kurve, the Dutch Red Bull driver was hit by Kimi Antonelli, the author of a misjudgment under braking that inevitably put both of them out of action. It was an episode that could have sparked controversy, but one that Verstappen decided to approach in a different spirit.

“When we got out of the car I just asked him what happened, I was pretty sure he was the one who hit me – the four-time world champion recounted.

Then I reviewed the images in the box: these things happen, everyone has made similar mistakes in their career. Kimi is a great talent, he will learn from this. It”.

Verstappen revealed that he had already cleared up the incident directly with Antonelli: “We spoke immediately afterwards, it was a very nice gesture on his part to come and apologize, but for me the matter was already closed. Nobody does these things on purpose. It can happen”. The Dutchman then surprised everyone by the serenity with which he commented on his situation in the World Cup: “The title? I have not thought about it for a long time. It is not a goal of mine at the moment. We are going race by race, trying to improve the car and learn as much as possible from each situation”.

Finally, in true Verstappen style, he revealed that he spent the rest of the afternoon looking away: “The Ferrari result? I actually didn’t follow the race, I was watching the 24 Hours of Spa. My team won their category at the first attempt and I think that is something to be really proud of”. It was an unfortunate Sunday for Max, but he shows that he has clear ideas and the serenity to face a season that is proving to be anything but easy.