Max Verstappen wiped out of F1 Austrian GP by Kimi Antonelli

Max Verstappen retired from the opening lap of the Austrian Grand Prix after being wiped out by Kimi Antonelli. 

Antonelli was attempting to make up immediate ground with a late divebomb into Turn 3 but the Mercedes driver locked up and could not slow down, before tagging Verstappen's Red Bull. 

The contact sent both drivers spinning off into the run-off area and a first-lap retirement. 

"I'm out. I got hit like crazy. Idiots," Verstappen bemoaned over team radio. 

The DNF marks a huge blow to Verstappen's hopes of winning a fifth consecutive world title. 

The Dutchman was already 43 points behind championship leader Oscar Piastri coming into the 11th round of the season at the Red Bull Ring. 

Antonelli later acknowledged the clash was his fault.

Verstappen offered a sympathetic verdict towards the rookie driver for causing the incident.

Christian Horner, the Red Bull boss, also accepted the apology from the Mercedes driver.

To further set back Verstappen, the Austrian Grand Prix was won by title rival Lando Norris, ahead of his teammate Oscar Piastri.

The McLaren duo are going from strength to strength in the drivers' standings while Verstappen is forced to rebuild again.

He is 61 points behind championship leader Piastri, but is also in possession of an inferior car.

The F1 season resumes next weekend at Silverstone for the British Grand Prix.