Toto Wolff speaks out on ‘security concerns’ after Kimi Antonelli apology

Red Bull team principal Christian Horner issued a public apology following a pit lane clash between Max Verstappen and Mercedes’ Kimi Antonelli during the Miami sprint race.



The incident, which resulted in damage to Verstappen’s car and a time penalty, was attributed to human error by the Red Bull pit crew.



A Risky Gamble Gone Wrong



The sprint race unfolded under rapidly changing conditions as the Miami GP circuit dried after a bout of rain. Teams scrambled to switch to slick tyres, leading to congested pit lane action. Red Bull called in Verstappen from third while Mercedes boxed Antonelli from fourth, with both garages adjacent to one another.



Verstappen was released just as Antonelli turned into his pit box, resulting in light contact that broke Verstappen’s front wing and forced Antonelli to veer away sharply.



No Injuries, But Plenty of Fallout



Despite the scare, no pit crew members were injured in the incident. However, the consequences on track were significant. Verstappen received a 10-second time penalty for an unsafe release and ultimately finished the sprint in 17th, dead last. Antonelli managed to salvage a point by finishing eighth after others ahead received penalties.



Mercedes boss Toto Wolff criticized Red Bull’s decision-making harshly. “I’m surprised about a total lack of judgement there,” Wolff said. “Because it wasn’t even close of releasing without any security concerns. So, somebody panicked there.”



Horner Holds His Hands Up



After the qualifying session later in the day, Horner took the opportunity to apologize on behalf of Red Bull.



“It was a human error. We have to apologise to Kimi,” Horner said . “You’re talking about a judgment of about a meter. The determination to try and get the car back out there was there, but it was just a misjudgement. It can happen.”



Horner added that the team would review its procedures to avoid similar issues in the future. “As a team, we look at it, we work out, ‘Okay, where can we be better?’ But it just demonstrates you’re always learning in this business.”
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