Antonelli shows off F1 legend-like honour in courageous deed for Verstappen
Updated: 22:24, 29 Jun 2025
1 Comments
A filmmaker with a soft spot for Ronnie Peterson, Gilles Villeneuve, Mika Hakkinen and above all, Tazio Nuvolari and Ayrton Senna, is also a diehard Formula One fan since the age of 4 (mid-90's). An avid researcher of the past of Grand Prix Racing since before it was even named F1, and with a thirst for knowledge of the ins and outs of the actuality of the sport, as well as for the technical aspects that define it, is a member of GPblog since 2023, where he has put his love of racing to good use.
At the start of the race, an unsuspecting Max Verstappen was taken out of contention by Andrea Kimi Antonelli. The young Italian rookie has now done the honourable thing.
On the run up to Turn 3, Antonelli braked much later than his rivals, shooting past Liam Lawson and Gabriel Bortoleto and collecting Max Verstappen, unawares of the Mercedes driver's actions.
On post race reactions it was made clear that the rear wheels in Antonelli's car had locked up, something that made Mercedes team principal doubt whether the incident had been Antonelli's fault, or the W16's systems. The Dutchman himself refused to respond harhsly to his Italian colleague after the incident.
Speaking to media present, including GPblog Antonelli clarified what he said to the Red Bull Racing driver after the incident: "I apologised to him and I will try to talk to him after just to explain, and to apologise once more. Just because I feel very sorry towards my team, because it's a mistake from my side. But as well I ended his race and this [is] definitely not what I want."
Antonelli apologises to Verstappen after race ending incident in Austria
ADVERTISEMENT
Antonelli marches to the Red Bull garage to apologise for the incident in Austria
Speaking to F1TV Verstappen revealed Antonelli went to the Red Bull hospitality to speak about the incident. “It is what it is. I spoke quickly to Kimi, he came with me to the hospitality. I think every driver has made a mistake like that. No one does that on purpose as well so for me, that’s not a big deal.”
Don’t miss GPblog in Google
Mark us as a preferred source and our articles will appear more often at the top of Top Stories.
Add as a preferred / source on GoogleRead more about:
latest news
British Grand Prix
Overview
Friday 03.07.26
Practice 1
11:30 AM
Sprint Qualification
03:30 PM
Saturday 04.07.26
Sprint Race
11:00 AM
Qualification
03:00 PM
Sunday 05.07.26
Race
02:00 PM
Friday 03.07.26
Practice 1
Fri 11:30 AM
Sprint Qualification
Fri 03:30 PM
Saturday 04.07.26
Sprint Race
Sat 11:00 AM
Qualification
Sat 03:00 PM
Sunday 05.07.26
Race
Sun 02:00 PM
Times are in your local timezone
Rumors
Popular on GPBlog
1
Vasseur reveals what really cost Ferrari at the Austrian Grand Prix
734 times read
2
Hamilton gets FIA call ahead of British GP as Verstappen and Russell absent
664 times read
3
Shocking plans revealed to convert iconic race venue into golf course
620 times read
4
British GP weather forecast: Rain threatens to shake up Silverstone race
451 times read
F1-stand 2026
Season
| Pos. | Driver | Team | Points |
|---|---|---|---|
1 | MercedesMER | 171 | |
2 | MercedesMER | 131 | |
3 | FerrariFER | 125 | |
4 | McLarenMCL | 80 | |
5 | McLarenMCL | 79 | |
6 | FerrariFER | 79 | |
7 | Red Bull RacingRBR | 73 | |
8 | Red Bull RacingRBR | 42 | |
9 | AlpineALP | 41 | |
10 | Racing BullsRCB | 30 |
Loading
