Why Max Verstappen's Weird Reaction to That Austria Crash Has Everyone Talking

By Lewis Barnett 1 July, 2025 6 mins read 23 Views

Okay, so here's something that's been bugging me since Sunday.

Max Verstappen - you know, the guy who usually acts like someone stole his lunch money when another driver so much as breathes on his car - was weirdly chill after Kimi Antonelli absolutely destroyed both their races at the Austrian GP. Like, suspiciously chill. I'm talking full-on friendly chat by the barriers while their cars were still smoking in the gravel.

And now Juan Pablo Montoya (remember him? Wild driver, zero filter) is out here basically saying what we're all thinking: "Are they already teammates?"

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The Crash That Started It All

First lap, turn three. Antonelli's Mercedes locks up harder than my laptop when I have 47 browser tabs open, and boom - straight into Max's Red Bull. Race over for both of them before it even really started.

Now normally, Max would be... let's say "animated" about something like this. The guy once called someone an idiot for existing in the same postal code as his racing line. But Sunday? He's out there having what looked like a pleasant conversation with the 18-year-old who just ruined his afternoon.

Montoya Drops the Bomb

Juan Pablo didn't exactly beat around the bush when he talked to BettingLounge about it. "If you wanted to read into things, why was Max so nice to Kimi after their collision? Are they already teammates?"

Damn. Just putting it out there like that.

But then he said something that actually made sense - maybe Max saw himself in that move. "I think when that happened, in the way it did, he goes - 'I probably would have done the same thing.' Inside he would be laughing about it."

And honestly? That tracks. Young driver, aggressive move, things go sideways. Max has been there.

The Mercedes Connection Nobody Wants to Talk About

Look, we all know Toto Wolff has been making eyes at Verstappen for years now. It's like watching someone try to poach your best employee at the office Christmas party - not exactly subtle.

With Lewis Hamilton off to Ferrari (still can't believe that happened), Mercedes has one guaranteed seat for a superstar. George Russell's contract situation is messier than my desk right now, and 2026 is looking like musical chairs season.

Max's reaction after the crash? "Every driver has made a mistake like that. No one does that on purpose, so for me, that is not a big deal."

Since when is Max this understanding about getting punted out of a race?

But Wait, There's More Drama

Christian Horner keeps reminding everyone that Max is locked up until 2028. Sure, Christian. And my gym membership means I actually go to teh gym.

Contracts in F1 are about as reliable as weather forecasts - technically binding until they're not.

The timing of all this is just... interesting. Mercedes shaking up their lineup, Red Bull's dominance looking less bulletproof than it did in 2023, and Max being uncharacteristically zen about a racing incident.

Maybe I'm reading too much into a 30-second conversation between two drivers. Maybe Max was just being mature about a racing incident.

Or maybe Juan Pablo Montoya just connected some dots that the rest of us missed.

Either way, 2026 is going to be wild.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between slick and wet tires in F1?

Formula 1 Slick Tires are designed for dry, hot conditions. They have a smooth, flat surface that provides maximum grip. Wet tires like intermediates or full wets are designed with tread patterns that spread water out on wet roads, reducing the chance of aquaplaning. These tires also offer traction under rainy conditions. The intermediates tire is used for light to moderate rainfall, and the full wet tire is suitable for heavy rainfall.

What is Parc Féme in Formula 1?

Parc Ferme is a designated area of the pit lane that the FIA inspects and controls before and after qualifying or the race. After cars have entered Parc Ferme they cannot be altered in any way except for certain allowed changes. This is to ensure that the cars adhere to the rules, and that no team gains an unfair advantage.

What are the different power units used in Formula 1?

A Formula 1 power unit comprises a hybrid internal combustion engine (ICE) and an Energy Recovery System (ERS). The ICE is a V6 turbocharged engine. Meanwhile, the ERS uses energy from the car exhaust and braking system to produce additional power. Combining these technologies boosts not only performance, but efficiency as well.

How do drivers qualify for a Formula 1 race?

A Formula 1 race qualifies through a knockout-system the day prior to the race. It's divided into three segments: Q1, Q2, Q3. In Q1, all drivers are competing, and the five slowest cars will be eliminated. From the 15 remaining drivers, another five will be eliminated in Q2. The top ten drivers continue to Q3, to compete for pole and determine which order the first ten cars will start in.

Can Formula 1 cars fuel up during a race or a match?

Formula 1 is currently prohibited from refuelling mid-race. Since the 2010 season, this rule has been implemented to improve safety and reduce costs. Now cars must have enough fuel at the start of the race to make it to the finish line. This is a new strategic element that requires teams and drivers alike, to balance speed, efficiency, and fuel weight.

What is the role of aerodynamics in Formula 1?

Aerodynamics are crucial in Formula 1, as they govern the car's performance by affecting drag and downforce. Downforce presses the car onto the track, which increases grip and allows drivers to maintain high speeds through corners without losing control. Teams invest a great deal of money to improve aerodynamic performance and gain every possible advantage.

Statistics

The highest number of cars to start a Formula 1 race was 34 at the 1953 German Grand Prix.
Kimi Räikkönen holds the record for the fastest lap in Formula 1 history, set at the Italian Grand Prix in 2018 with an average speed of 263.587 km/h (163.785 mph).
As of the end of the 2022 season, Formula 1 races have been held in 34 different countries around the world.
Jenson Button accomplished the greatest number of overtakes in a single race, with a total of 26 during the 2011 Canadian Grand Prix.
The Silverstone Circuit, home to the British Grand Prix, has hosted more Formula 1 races than any other circuit since the championship began in 1950.
Michael Schumacher holds the record for the most World Championships won by a single driver, with a total of seven titles.
As of the latest season, Mercedes AMG Petronas has won eight consecutive Constructors' Championships, the longest streak in Formula 1 history.
Sebastian Vettel became the youngest World Champion in Formula 1 history, securing his first title at the age of 23 years and 134 days in 2010.

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How To

How to Analyze Formula 1 Race

When analyzing a Formula 1 event, you need to look at more than the podium. It's important to pay attention to the start of the race, since this is often where positions are won or lost. Be sure to pay attention to the pit stop strategy and how timing of stops and tire selection affects the outcome. Observe the performance of drivers, in particular under different track circumstances, and how they can overtake or defend their positions. To understand the nuances in car performance and driving skill, look at the FIA's post-race statistics, including lap times, fastest times and sector times.

Did you miss our previous article...
https://sportingexcitement.com/formula-1/the-kid-who-had-everything-ahead-of-him-is-gone