Max Verstappen stated that being forced to retire from the Austrian Grand Prix after a collision with Kimi Antonelli was simply `bad luck`. He also voiced hope that this incident might reduce discussions about him being in the championship title race.
Verstappen`s participation in Red Bull`s home race on Sunday ended when the Mercedes rookie crashed into his car at Turn 3 during the opening lap. As a consequence, Antonelli has been given a three-place grid penalty for the next Grand Prix in Britain.
Having started the race 43 points adrift of championship leader Oscar Piastri, this retirement significantly hindered Verstappen`s already slim prospects of defending his title this year. With Piastri securing second place, the points difference has now widened to 61.
“It`s just unlucky, similar to yesterday in qualifying,” Verstappen commented. “But frankly, our pace wasn`t particularly strong this weekend anyway, so there`s plenty for us to learn regarding how we can hopefully perform better next weekend. However, today`s outcome was clearly not ideal.”
“It happens, you know. I mean, every driver has made a mistake like that.”
“Everyone makes such mistakes in their careers. Kimi is a great talent. He wants to win, and that`s fine. Nobody does these things on purpose.”
Regarding the effect of the result on his championship aspirations, Verstappen added with a note of sarcasm: “Hopefully then people won`t mention it too much anymore.”
Verstappen, who began the race in seventh, had overtaken Liam Lawson at Turn 1 and was preparing his Red Bull to challenge the cars ahead when Antonelli eliminated him.
“I`m out, I got hit … F—ing idiots,” Verstappen exclaimed over the team radio.
Antonelli was attempting to find a way past Lawson and Gabriel Bortoleto for sixth place when his brakes locked up, causing him to dive towards the inside of the corner.
Unable to adequately slow his car in time, the Mercedes rookie went past the corner`s apex and collided with Verstappen.
Both cars ended up in the run-off area at Turn 3, which resulted in their retirements from the race.
“Sorry about that. I locked the rear, sorry,” Antonelli said over team radio. He repeated his apology later.
“I didn`t necessarily brake too late,” he explained to the media. “But when I did, I braked hard, and at that moment I locked the rears and just couldn`t turn the car. It was too late because I was arriving too quickly. The crash was unavoidable. I feel extremely sorry for the team, and of course, for Max.”
Rupert Caldwell 
Tristan Blackwood