F1 champion Max Verstappen has been ruled out of the Austrian Grand Prix after Mercedes star Kimi Antonelli collided with the Dutchman on the opening lap.

The safety car was deployed as a result of the clash between the Red Bull and Mercedes at Turn 3, with McLaren emerging as the frontrunners in the opening stages of the race.

The pair were pictured on Sky F1’s broadcast discussing the crash with the Dutchman as they both exited the cars, with Antonelli potentially apologising for the clash.

Verstappen and Red Bull are no strangers to a battle with Mercedes, having been caught up in multiple battles with the Silver Arrows both on and off track in 2025.

The controversy throughout this season and at times in 2024 was often between Verstappen and George Russell, with the pair’s crash at this year’s Spanish GP proving controversial.

This incident comes at an interesting time for the two teams as Mercedes boss Toto Wolff confirmed his team’s interest in signing Verstappen, with the champion’s F1 future unclear.