It marked the first time Verstappen had not finished a race since the 2024 Australian Grand Prix, when a right-rear brake issue caused his car to overheat and catch fire. 

“It’s just unlucky like yesterday in qualifying,” Verstappen, who started in seventh, said of his crash with Antonelli, via ESPN’s Laurence Edmondson. “But overall, we didn’t really have that great pace anyway this weekend, so a lot of learning for us on how hopefully we can do better next weekend. But of course, not an ideal result today.”  

Verstappen started the race 43 points off championship leader Oscar Piastri. The McLaren driver finished second behind teammate Lando Norris, increasing his lead. 

Piastri now has 216 points, while Verstappen is third in the drivers’ championship with 155.

With 13 races remaining this season, his chances of coming back and winning the title are becoming more unlikely. 

“Hopefully, then people will not mention it too much anymore,” Verstappen said when asked how Sunday’s race impacts his title chances. 

When Verstappen hasn’t been involved in crashes, his car delivers underwhelming results. He has won just two races this season, compared to nine last season.

The British Grand Prix at Silverstone next weekend may be crucial for Red Bull. The team must clearly show it can offer better equipment for Verstappen, or he may wonder if it’s time for a change. 

Mercedes F1 team CEO Toto Wolff hinted he’s interested in signing Verstappen in an interview with Sky Sports earlier this week. Verstappen is under contract with Red Bull until 2028, but the deal is believed to contain performance-based clauses that could allow him to leave.

Red Bull Racing principal Christian Horner told Sky Sports that Mercedes-Verstappen speculation is “a lot of noise” after Austrian Grand Prix qualifying on Saturday.

Whether Verstappen is considering a change or not, he’s likely growing more frustrated with a disappointing season.