7 December 2025motorsportBreaking newsReactions
Verstappen’s Warm Handshake with Antonelli Signals End to Qatar Abuse
After the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Max Verstappen greeted Mercedes rookie Andrea Kimi Antonelli with a friendly handshake, offering a rare moment of support amid a wave of online abuse that followed Antonelli’s Qatar mistake.
Max Verstappen’s calm, smiling response to Andrea Kimi Antonelli’s apology after the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix may finally quiet the torrent of abuse the young Mercedes driver endured following his Qatar error.
Why it matters:
- The incident highlights how quickly social‑media backlash can turn deadly for a rookie, with more than 1,100 “severe or suspect” comments – some even death threats – flagged on Antonelli’s accounts.
- Verstappen’s public goodwill sets a tone for the paddock, showing that even fierce rivals can model respectful behavior and help curb toxic fan culture.
The details:
- Qatar mistake – On the penultimate lap at Losail, Antonelli lost grip in the dirty air behind Williams, went wide and allowed Lando Norris to pass, handing Norris two extra points that narrowed the championship gap with Verstappen.
- Red Bull reaction – Initially, Red Bull suggested the move might have been intentional to aid Norris, later issuing an apology when the claim proved unfounded.
- Abuse metrics – Mercedes reported over 1,100 flagged abusive messages, including death threats, prompting Antonelli to disable comments on his socials again after Abu Dhabi.
- Verstappen’s response – In a video posted by Mercedes’ social‑media team, Verstappen listened, smiled, and shook Antonelli’s hand twice, showing no tension and offering a genuine, human moment.
What's next:
- The F1 community will watch whether this gesture curtails further harassment and encourages other teams to protect young talent.
- Mercedes is expected to keep a tighter watch on Antonelli’s online presence, possibly collaborating with the sport’s governing bodies on stricter abuse policies.
- As the season closes, the focus shifts back to the title fight, but the conversation about driver safety—both on‑track and online—remains front‑and‑center.
The handshake may not erase the hurt, but it signals a hopeful shift toward a more respectful fan environment as the sport moves into its next chapter.