Max Verstappen got a closer look at a Mercedes than he had desired after days of rumors that he might go from Red Bull to Mercedes.
Kimi Antonelli, a Mercedes driver and possible future teammate, eliminated the reigning Formula 1 champion from the Austrian Grand Prix after less than half a lap.
We constantly attempt to do our best, I believe. My mindset remains unchanged. In the past, we’ve won a lot. Verstappen told British network Sky Sports, “There are moments when you have to accept that you are not winning, and we just try to do the best we can.”
He responded, “Hopefully, then maybe people will not mention it too much anymore,” when asked what the event meant for his title defense.
The four-time champion had an eventful week after finishing seventh on the grid and behind pace in qualifying due to a lack of grip. George Russell, Antonelli’s colleague, said on Thursday that Verstappen might be in discussions with Mercedes about a potential future transfer.
Despite being 61 points behind leader Oscar Piastri, Verstappen is still in third place in the rankings.
Red Bull and Verstappen have put on some of their best races at the team’s home race in previous years. Verstappen has won at the Red Bull Ring five times, and it draws thousands of orange-clad Dutch supporters.
In an otherwise stellar season, the 18-year-old Antonelli made a rare error.
He swerved Verstappen around and ended both of their chances when he braked late, locked his rear wheels, and dove deep into a tight right-hand bend.
Red Bull heard Verstappen say, “I’m out, I got hit like crazy,” on the radio. As his car was pulled away by a tractor, Verstappen waved to the audience and spoke to Antonelli as they left together.
Since the Australian Grand Prix in March 2024, Verstappen had not finished a race with any points for the first time in almost a year. It capped a terrible home Grand Prix for Red Bull and put an end to a week of difficulties at a track where he has won five Formula One races.
Yuki Tsunoda bumped Alpine’s Franco Colapinto while battling for 13th position, forcing Red Bull to pit for a replacement front wing and capping off a disastrous home race. The Japanese driver hasn’t earned a point in four races and finished last.
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