Austria GP: Red Bull bemoan ‘black day’ for Max Verstappen after first lap crash

Red Bull endured a disastrous home race at the Austrian Grand Prix after Max Verstappen was forced to retire on the opening lap, dealing a major blow to his championship hopes.

Helmut Marko, Red Bull’s motorsport adviser, admitted that Verstappen’s title chances were likely over following the early exit, a sentiment echoed by team principal Christian Horner, who now sees the title battle shifting toward the two McLaren drivers.

The incident unfolded at turn 3 when Mercedes driver Andrea Kimi Antonelli locked up and collided with Verstappen’s Red Bull, forcing the Dutchman to retire immediately.

McLaren capitalized fully on the opportunity, with Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri finishing first and second, ahead of Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc. The result leaves Verstappen 61 points behind Piastri in the standings.

Marko acknowledged the uphill battle ahead, suggesting that only something extraordinary could prevent McLaren from running away with the championship.

“This is a black day. The gap is almost impossible to make up. If nothing special happens, we have to assume that the championship is over,” he said.

“The McLarens — incredible. That pace in this heat. Half a second faster per lap on this circuit. That’s alarming. Especially at these temperatures. It was a total demonstration. We’re not really sure how we’re going to close that gap.”

(QG - Source: The Guardian- Picture : © Picture Alliance / Hoch Zwei / Hoch Zwei )