Antonelli Penalized for Verstappen Crash at Austrian GP

Mercedes rookie Andrea Kimi Antonelli has been handed a three-place grid penalty for the upcoming British Grand Prix following a first-lap collision with Red Bull's Max Verstappen at the Austrian Grand Prix. Antonelli lost control after locking his rear brakes at Turn 3 and collided with Verstappen, forcing both drivers to retire from the race. Antonelli apologized to Verstappen and Mercedes, citing both the lockup and needing to avoid another car as factors. The incident dealt a major setback to Verstappen's championship campaign, as he was third in the standings behind McLaren drivers Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris. The race start was further disrupted when Carlos Sainz's car caught fire, causing delays. Verstappen's penalty points tally has improved slightly, with two points expiring before the next race at Silverstone.