MAX VERSTAPPEN was wiped out the Austrian Grand Prix on the first lap.
Mercedes star Kimi Antonelli’s brakes locked up as went around turn three and he drove straight into the Dutchman.
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The back of the Red Bull car was hit and it sent the four-time world champ spinning off the track.
A frustrated Verstappen said over the team radio: “I’m out, I got hit bad.”
The safety car immediately came out and towed the two cars away.
Both drivers exchanged words as they trudged back to the paddock.
The stewards have launched an investigation into the crash.
Antonelli looks set to be punished with a grid penalty for Silverstone next weekend.
It is a huge disappointment for Verstappen as he looks to chase down McLaren duo Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris at the top of the standings.
He has dominated the Austrian Grand Prix in recent years, boasting a stunning record at the Spielberg circuit after winning five of the last seven races there.
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It is also Verstappen’s first retirement in 462 days and it ends a 31-race scoring streak.
But him and Antonelli were not the only ones suffering a nightmare beginning to the race as Carlos Sainz’s car caught fire during the formation lap.
The start had to be delayed for 18 minutes as marshals rushed to attend to the Williams.