Source: REUTERS/ANDREJ ISAKOVIC
[Saba Sports News] The 2025 Monaco Grand Prix was still ongoing when an untelevised radio communication from the pits ignited shockwaves in the paddock – rookie driver Gabriel Bortoleto of the Sauber team made the shocking threat “next time I’ll ram him into the wall” after colliding with Mercedes driver Andrea Kimi Antonelli on the track. The incident occurred at the hairpin turn of the first lap. Antonelli, who had only placed 15th due to qualifying errors, tried to overtake Botoleto from the inside line at Turn 8 to catch up with teammate George Russell. This bold move caused Bortoleto’s Sauber car to scrape the wall, damaging the front wing. Since there was no direct contact between the two, the race stewards took no action against Antonelli. However, Bortoleto’s radio transcript revealed the truth behind their heated confrontation. “Antonelli pushed me out, that desperate bastard!” When the engineer confirmed that the front wing needed replacement, he angrily stated, “Next time I’ll make him hit the wall.” After the race, Bortoleto told the media, “Antonelli cut in like a dive bomber, and I had no choice but to crash. This cost us five positions.” In our opinion, Antonelli’s aggressive overtaking reflects Mercedes’ desperation to reverse their misfortune – two consecutive poor performances and no improvement from technical upgrades. Meanwhile, Bortoleto’s reaction reveals how mid-level teams fiercely compete for every point under limited resources. Although the FIA is investigating Botoleto’s threatening remarks, according to current rules, radio communications usually aren’t punished after races.