Max Verstappen retired early in the Austrian Grand Prix on Sunday. The Dutchman was spun around by Kimi Antonelli in Turn 3 shortly after the start and was immediately out.
The 27-year-old Verstappen initially had a good start from seventh place and immediately overtook Liam Lawson. In Turn 3, Antonelli braked too late and hit Verstappen hard, spinning him around. Antonelli immediately took responsibility and retired, just like Verstappen.
For Verstappen, it was his first retirement since the Australian Grand Prix last year. For the Red Bull driver, the world title is now even further out of sight. Verstappen started the race in Spielberg with a 43-point deficit to Oscar Piastri.
Verstappen’s early retirement was also a hard blow for the tens of thousands of Dutch fans in the stands. It is estimated that there are between 30,000 and 40,000 Dutch people at the Red Bull Ring.
The race in Spielberg is still ongoing.