In a tense moment during the Miami Grand Prix sprint, Max Verstappen found himself at the center of a pit-lane collision that could have been much worse. Verstappen and Kimi Antonelli were involved in a dramatic incident when Verstappen was released right into the path of Antonelli’s oncoming Mercedes. While Verstappen’s car suffered damage, fortunately, no one was reported injured, largely due to Antonelli’s quick reflexes.
The Miami Grand Prix was already fraught with challenges due to heavy rain that delayed the start behind a Safety Car. Despite this, as conditions improved and the track dried up, excitement increased with the possibility of switching to slick tires for the final laps. This led to a high-stakes bet by several teams, including Red Bull and Mercedes, as they brought in Verstappen and Antonelli respectively for a tire change.
As Verstappen was given the go-ahead to leave his pit box, Antonelli was simultaneously making his way to his pit. Verstappen’s release into Antonelli’s path resulted in a broken front wing for the reigning world champion. Nevertheless, the quick actions of the pit crew ensured that no one was harmed during the fracas.
Verstappen, who had earlier dodged penalties for a possible false start, was not as fortunate this time. He was handed a 10-second penalty, which contributed to his P17 finish after the race concluded behind a Safety Car due to another incident involving Fernando Alonso’s Aston Martin. Post-race, the FIA stewards examined footage and deemed that while Verstappen was released dangerously, his actions during the collision avoided additional penalties.
Competitors were reminded that they could appeal FIA decisions within the specified time frames, as the stewards made decisions based on concrete evidence and regulations. Verstappen acknowledged the incident, expressing relief that no injuries occurred and recognized the need for further investigation into pit-stop protocol issues that have plagued Red Bull in the 2025 season. Red Bull team principal Christian Horner admitted to a ‘human error’ in their procedures, promising that the team would learn from the mishap.
Speaking to Sky F1, Verstappen was quick to note that despite previous incidents this season, each case was different. ‘You cannot really compare these things,’ he remarked. However, he conceded that introspection was necessary and maintained that ensuring safety was a priority.
The FIA’s decision not to issue further penalties beyond the initial 10-second time penalty reflects an understanding of the complexities faced during the Miami GP. While Verstappen’s pit-lane release was a moment of concern, the proactive steps taken post-incident highlight F1’s commitment to safety and procedural integrity. As the season progresses, teams like Red Bull have clear challenges to address in refining their pit-stop strategies to prevent future occurrences.
