At the 2025 Monaco Grand Prix, Sauber rookie Gabriel Bortoleto expressed intense anger on team radio after a collision with Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli caused him to crash into the wall. Bortoleto called for a penalty against Antonelli, citing a reckless overtaking attempt that forced him off track, which he described as dangerous and unfair.
Making his Formula 1 debut this season with Sauber, Bortoleto has quickly gained attention. The young Brazilian, managed by Fernando Alonso’s A14 Management, has followed in the footsteps of his mentor Alonso, who currently races for Aston Martin. After winning the F3 title in 2023 and then the F2 championship last year, Bortoleto was aiming to continue his impressive rise in F1.
Details of the Crash Between Bortoleto and Antonelli at Monaco
The incident occurred on the opening lap of the Monaco race. Bortoleto had just overtaken Antonelli at the hairpin, but Antonelli attempted to reclaim the position by diving down the inside on a narrow corner. The move surprised Bortoleto, who had committed to the racing line and found no room to avoid the Mercedes driver. To prevent a direct collision, Bortoleto was forced to steer towards the wall, damaging his front wing and forcing an early pit stop.
The crash cost Bortoleto significant time and dropped him down the field, ultimately finishing in 14th place. Frustrated with the lack of penalty for Antonelli from the FIA stewards, Bortoleto’s anger was audible over the radio when he said,
“Did he get a penalty for what he did? Okay, I will put him in the wall next time.”
—Gabriel Bortoleto, Sauber driver
Bortoleto’s race engineer urged him to focus on repairs and recover as best as possible, but the Brazilian remained visibly upset. In post-race comments, Bortoleto condemned Antonelli’s move as a reckless “divebomb,” stating he expected the Mercedes racer to give him space, which did not happen, leaving him no choice but to hit the wall. Bortoleto described losing the advantage as a “shame” after having gained five positions earlier in the race.
Kimi Antonelli Responds to Crash Allegations
Kimi Antonelli defended his actions during the Monaco incident, insisting that he gave Bortoleto as much room as possible and did not make physical contact. Speaking to Planet F1, Antonelli acknowledged the move was aggressive but denied any intent to cause the crash. He said,
“It was an aggressive move, but at the end of the day, I didn’t touch him. And also at the apex. Of course, you don’t want to see him in the wall, and my intention was not to put him in the wall. But at the end of the day, I didn’t touch him, and I tried my best to give him as much space as possible. But, of course, you know, Monaco is very tight, and it can happen.”
—Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes driver
Antonelli had a difficult weekend overall. A crash during Q1 qualifying compromised his starting position, and during the race, he struggled with traffic that hindered his progress. As a result, he finished 18th, unable to recover from his poor grid spot.
Implications and What Lies Ahead for Bortoleto and Antonelli
The clash between these two young drivers highlights the tension and challenges facing newcomers in Formula 1, especially on tight circuits like Monaco where space is at a premium. Bortoleto’s fierce reaction reflects his frustration at missing out on valuable points early in his rookie year due to what he believes was an overly aggressive move. Meanwhile, Antonelli’s defense suggests a willingness to push boundaries despite the risks.
With both drivers eager to prove themselves, similar incidents could arise in the future unless on-track conduct adjustments are made. For Sauber and A14 Management’s rising star Bortoleto, the focus will be on recovering confidence and capitalizing on future opportunities, while Antonelli must find ways to convert aggressive racecraft into better results without costly clashes.
