The 2025 Austria Grand Prix, held on June 29 at the Red Bull Ring, was marked by a spectacular incident in the first lap involving two major Formula 1 figures: the four -time world champion Max Verstappen and Mercedes rookie Kimi Antonelli. The collision, which prematurely ended the race for both pilots, generated heated controversy, mainly due to the punishment imposed on Antonelli by the International Automobile Federation (FIA). Max Verstappen, known for his frankness, did not hide his discontent with what he considered an excessively mild punishment, while FIA ​​president Mohammed Ben Suulayem firmly reacted, abruptly ending the debate.

The incident occurred in curve 3, a closed technical curve in the Austrian circuit. Kimi Antonelli, who left the ninth position, tried to keep his position on the grid. However, braking late to avoid a collision with Liam Lawson’s Racing Bulls, he waged the rear wheels, losing control of his Mercedes. His car then reached the back of Verstappen’s Red Bull, which was about to get out of the curve. The damage caused by the collision forced both pilots to abandon, ending their hopes of points in a crucial championship race. Verstappen, then third in the pilots classification, saw his difference to leader Oscar Piostri to increase to 61 points, a significant blow to his search for the fifth world title.

After the incident, the FIA ​​commissioners reviewed the images and summoned Antonelli to an audience. The verdict, given at the end of the day, imposed a three -position punishment on the grid for the next major prize in Silverstone, as well as two penalty points in his superice. Although Antonelli recognized his mistake and publicly apologized with Verstappen and his team, the sanction immediately annoyed the Dutchman. In an interview with Channel+, Verstappen expressed his disagreement, calling the FIA ​​decision “very light” and “unfair”, given the consequences of the accident. “I lost a chance to score important points and he gets away with a three -position punishment? It’s ridiculous!” He said visibly frustrated. He also emphasized that although he did not keep personal grudge against Antonelli, the FIA ​​should apply more severe penalties to prevent similar incidents.

These harsh criticism quickly caused a reaction from FIA president Mohammed Ben Suulaym. At a press conference the next day, he defended the decision of the commissioners, stating that the penalty was proportional to the error made. “The commissioners analyzed the incident of all angles. Antonelli is a young pilot in his first season, and recognized his guilt. The penalty is fair and is in accordance with the regulation,” he said. Then, directly addressing Verstappen’s comments, he added: “Pilots should focus on their riding and not criticize referee decisions. If everyone starts questioning the rules, where are we going?” This scathing answer seemed to end the debate, with Verstappen choosing not to intensify, preferring to focus on the next race.

Essa disputa entre Verstappen e a FIA lembra tensões anteriores entre o piloto holandês e a entidade que regulamenta a categoria. By September 2024, Verstappen had already been headline when protesting a sanction for comments considered vulgar at a press conference, partially boycotting a press session. This time, although he expressed his discontent, he adopted a more committed approach, perhaps aware that prolonging the confrontation could be expensive. In turn, Antonelli, just 18, tried to turn the page, saying, “It was a big mistake on my part, but I need to learn and move on.”

The incident also rekindled the discussions within the paddock about the justice of punishments in Formula 1. Some pilots, such as Lando Norris, supported Verstappen, believing that the FIA ​​sometimes applies inconsistent decisions. Others, however, greet the leniency with Antonelli, arguing that a young pilot should not be punished very severely by a race error. This controversy, far from being resolved, promises to feed the debate at the next Grand Britain prize, where all eyes will be focused on Verstappen and Antonelli. For the Dutch, the challenge will be double: recover sports and at the same time avoid further conflicts with the FIA.