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Charles Leclerc Crashes Out After Brutal Hit From Kimi Antonelli at Dutch GP

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Samriddhi Jaiswal | Last updated Aug 31, 2025 10:34 AM ET

The Dutch GP delivered yet another dose of high-stakes drama on Sunday as Charles Leclerc’s race ended in heartbreak after a collision with Mercedes rookies Kimi Antonelli at turn Three.

On Lap 53 of 72, Ferrari had just pitted Leclerc in response to Mercedes’ strategy with Antonelli. The Monegasque star rejoined the track narrowly ahead of the young Italian, but the battle between the two unraveled in brutal fashion.

As the pair approached the banked Turn Three, Antonelli launched a move down the inside. But the Mercedes rookie carried too much speed, understeering into the side of Leclerc’s Ferrari. The impact sent Leclerc spinning into the barriers, bringing out the Safety Car for the second time in Zandvoort.

The incident immediately divided fans and pundits, with many pointing to Antonelli’s lack of patience. Sky Sports F1 analyst Karun Chandhok did not hold back his assessment.

“That was just unnecessary from Antonelli, Chandhok said. “He went in way too hot and just went into Leclerc. You can’t just understeer into that car.”

For Leclerc, it marked a crushing end to what had been shaping up as a strong recovery driver. Having looked competitive in the early stages, the Ferrari driver had been aiming for a podium fight before the collision cut his race short.

Antonelli’s crash into Charles Leclerc, putting Charles out of the race.

https://t.co/fFeDmBdC24
— Ferrari News (@FanaticsFerrari) August 31, 2025

The crash also compounded Ferrari’s misery, with both cars now out of contention following Lewis Hamilton’s earlier retirement. For Leclerc, who has endured his share of tough luck this season, the disappointment was written all over his body language as he walked back to the garage.

The Dutch crowd, already buzzing from Max Verstappen’s charge for the podium, witnessed yet another storyline that will fuel debates long after the checkered flag.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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