Antonelli takes clear stance over ill-fated crash with Sainz in US GP

Speaking to GPblog after the race, Antonelli gave his version of the incident: "I think it's pretty clear, just very optimistic and just a shame that I got taken out. That's it, race was rude and it was difficult then."

When asked whether the tyres were okay after the spin, the Italian added: "It was a bit scrappy. I had a lot of vibration, I hit a little bit of the wall with the rear wing so I don't know if it was damage but also I had quite a lot of vibration. I need to check if the car was fully fine but it was difficult. I think pace was okay when I was in free air, but then obviously in dirty air, especially the day that the deg was big, it was difficult."

Finally, when asked if he was aware of Sainz’s position before the contact, Antonelli replied: "No, I did see him. If you look at the image, I even avoid hitting the apex on purpose because I saw him coming. He was far, but then I saw he locked up and I was just hoping him not to hit me but at the end I got taken out."

In the early stages of the race, while battling for seventh place, the Spaniard attempted an overtake into Turn 15 — one of the few overtaking spots on the circuit alongside Turn 1 and the heavy braking zone at the end of the long back straight.

However, Sainz misjudged his move, clipping the rear-left of the Mercedes with the front of his Williams and sending Antonelli into a spin, effectively ruining the young Italian’s race.

After the chequered flag, the FIA took a firm stance, handing Sainz a five-place grid penalty for next weekend’s Mexican Grand Prix, along with two penalty points on his Super Licence.