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Carlos Sainz praises Kimi Antonelli for post-FP1 apology

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 19, 2026, 9:31 AM

Last updated Jul 19, 2026

Carlos Sainz praises Kimi Antonelli for post-FP1 apology

Summary

Carlos Sainz expressed appreciation for Kimi Antonelli’s apology after the Mercedes driver termed him an “idiot” over team radio during the Belgian Grand Prix’s first practice session. Antonelli felt he was impeded by Sainz on track, leading to his comment. After qualifying, Sainz recounted their encounter where Antonelli acknowledged his emotional response and stated the incident wasn’t significant. Sainz will start the race from 15th position, benefiting from a grid penalty affecting Isack Hadjar. While Sainz managed technical problems during practice, he found a solution ahead of qualifying and outqualified teammate Alex Albon for the 10th time this season.

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Key Details

•Kimi Antonelli called Carlos Sainz an 'idiot' during FP1.
•Antonelli apologized face-to-face after qualifying.
•Sainz qualified 15th, one place higher due to a penalty.
•Sainz described his weekend as tough due to technical issues.
•He outqualified teammate Alex Albon for the 10th time this season.

Latest Updates

9:31 AMYahoo Sports — Carlos Sainz praises Kimi Antonelli for apology after “idiot” comment
9:31 AMMotorsport.com — Carlos Sainz praises Kimi Antonelli for apology after “idiot” comment

What they're saying

"
Carlos Sainz has praised Kimi Antonelli for spontaneously apologising after the Italian called the Spaniard an “idiot” over team radio at Formula 1’s Belgian Grand Prix. In the opening practice session at Spa-Francorchamps, Antonelli found a slow Sainz ahead of him at Stavelot. Annoyed, the Mercedes driver expressed his discontent on the track – aborting his attempt and staying close to ...Keep reading
— Motorsport.com