Toto Wolff has openly criticized Red Bull for a pit stop blunder in Miami that showcased a serious lapse in judgment.
- During the Miami Grand Prix sprint, a risky pit lane release led to a crash between Max Verstappen and Mercedes’ Kimi Antonelli.
- The incident resulted in a broken front wing for Verstappen and a 10-second penalty, while Antonelli had to abandon his tire change.
- The main concern from the event was the potential safety risks to mechanics in the pit lane.
- Both teams acknowledged the error, but Toto Wolff was particularly vocal about the unsafe release.
In a dramatic turn of events at the Miami Grand Prix sprint, an unexpected pit stop error by Red Bull became the center of controversy. The chaos unfolded when Max Verstappen and Mercedes’ Kimi Antonelli collided in the pit lane, leading to astonishment and critique from Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff. “A total lack of judgement,” was how Wolff described the incident, as he emphasized the danger inherent in the situation which nearly compromised the safety of the pit lane crew.
The situation arose during a transition from wet to dry track conditions, prompting teams to switch from intermediate to slick tires. This strategic move turned chaotic for Red Bull when Verstappen, boxing from the third position, was released prematurely into the path of Antonelli, who was set for his pit entry. This miscalculated release resulted in Verstappen clipping the rear of Antonelli’s car, damaging his own front wing.
Despite the resultant crash involving Fernando Alonso’s Aston Martin, the race concluded behind the Safety Car, with Antonelli managing to finish in 10th place and Verstappen ending up last. The FIA stewards responded promptly, handing Verstappen a 10-second penalty for the unsafe release. Christian Horner, the Red Bull team principal, succinctly attributed the incident to ‘human error,’ promising to learn from it.
Toto Wolff found the explanation unsatisfactory, stating, “It wasn’t even close to being safe.” He expressed his incredulity at the recklessness of the maneuver, noting the potential for grave consequences had this been the main race. Wolff’s concerns were not solely about the accident’s impact on race positions but rather the broader implications for pit lane safety.
Antonelli, meanwhile, conveyed relief that no injuries occurred, acknowledging the quick reaction needed to avert a larger mishap. He clarified that Verstappen was merely following orders in the pit stop chaos, emphasizing that his own swift adjustment averted further damage. “Happy nothing went wrong there,” he stated, highlighting the narrow escape from a potentially serious accident.
The Miami mishap was a sobering reminder of the risks in Formula 1, underscoring the need for heightened vigilance and precision during races.
