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

The incident occurred at Turn 3, a tight technical corner at the Austrian circuit. Kimi Antonelli, who had started from ninth position, attempted to maintain his position on the grid. However, braking late to avoid a collision with Liam Lawson’s Racing Bulls, he locked up his rear wheels, losing control of his Mercedes. His car then struck the rear of Verstappen’s Red Bull as it exited the corner. The damage caused by the collision forced both drivers to retire, ending their hopes of points in a crucial race of the championship. Verstappen, then third in the drivers’ standings, saw his gap to leader Oscar Piastri increase to 61 points, a significant blow to his bid for a fifth world title.

Following the incident, the FIA ​​stewards reviewed the footage and summoned Antonelli to a hearing. The verdict, handed down later in the day, imposed a three-place grid penalty for the next Grand Prix at Silverstone, as well as two penalty points on his Super Licence. Although Antonelli acknowledged his mistake and publicly apologised to Verstappen and his team, the sanction immediately angered the Dutchman. In an interview with Canal+, Verstappen expressed his disagreement, calling the FIA’s decision “too light” and “unfair” given the consequences of the accident. “I missed a chance to score important points and he gets away with a three-place penalty? It’s ridiculous!” he said, visibly frustrated. He also stressed that while he held no personal grudge against Antonelli, the FIA ​​should impose harsher penalties to prevent similar incidents from happening again.

Such harsh criticism quickly drew a reaction from FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem. In a press conference the following day, he defended the stewards’ decision, stating that the penalty was proportionate to the error committed. “The stewards have looked at the incident from all angles. Antonelli is a young driver, in his first season, and he has acknowledged his fault. The penalty is fair and in line with the regulations,” he said. Then, addressing Verstappen’s comments directly, he added: “Drivers should focus on their driving and not on criticising the referees’ decisions. If everyone starts questioning the rules, where are we going?” That scathing response seemed to end the debate, with Verstappen choosing not to escalate, preferring to focus on the next race.

This dispute between Verstappen and the FIA ​​is reminiscent of previous tensions between the Dutch driver and the sport’s governing body. In September 2024, Verstappen had already made headlines when he protested against a sanction for comments deemed vulgar in a press conference, even partially boycotting a press session. This time, although he expressed his discontent, he adopted a more measured approach, perhaps aware that prolonging the confrontation could cost him dearly. For his part, Antonelli, just 18, tried to turn the page, saying: “It was a big mistake on my part, but I need to learn from it and move on.”

The incident has also reignited debate within the paddock about the fairness of Formula 1 penalties. Some drivers, such as Lando Norris, have supported Verstappen, believing that the FIA ​​sometimes applies inconsistent decisions. Others, however, have welcomed the leniency with Antonelli, arguing that a young driver should not be punished too harshly for a race error. This controversy, far from being resolved, promises to fuel debate at the next British Grand Prix, where all eyes will be on Verstappen and Antonelli. For the Dutchman, the challenge will be twofold: to recover sportingly and, at the same time, to avoid further conflict with the FIA.