Red Bull Expresses Regret Regarding Remarks Linked to Online Abuse Targeting Driver Kimi Antonelli

The Red Bull Formula 1 team has released a comment expressing its sincere regret for comments made that were followed by a torrent of social media vitriol, including vile threats, directed at Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli.

Antonelli was said to have changed his Instagram profile to a blank image on Monday, a response to the abusive comments that appeared on his accounts. Mercedes confirmed that a number of these messages constituted direct threats against the driver's life.

The controversy stems from radio communications during the closing stages of the Qatar Grand Prix. Max Verstappen's race engineer remarked over the air that it "looked like" Antonelli had "just pulled over" to let rival driver Lando Norris through.

This occurrence proved crucial for the championship battle, as Norris's pass earned him extra points. This extended the McLaren driver's championship lead over Verstappen to 12 points heading into the final race in Abu Dhabi.

In its official communication, Red Bull asserted: "Comments made implying that Mercedes driver had intentionally let Lando Norris to overtake are factually wrong. Video evidence shows Antonelli momentarily losing control of his car, thus enabling Norris to pass him. We sincerely regret that this has resulted in Kimi receiving online abuse."

The team's statement did not include a direct apology for the initial accusation. However, reports indicate that Lambiase subsequently apologised to Mercedes team principal after being shown footage of the incident.

"This is total, utter nonsense. That astounds me even to hear that," stated Wolff. "We are fighting for second place in the team standings... How brainless can you be to even say something like this?"

Wolff added that he had spoken with Lambiase, who claimed he did not witness the moment when he spoke over the radio. The team reported a "massive surge" in abusive messages targeting Antonelli following the Grand Prix.

For his part, Antonelli explained the moment as a error. He commented he was driving aggressively to catch the Williams ahead and had a "big snap" that caused him to run wide and surrender fourth place.

"It was really hard with the turbulence and the tyres were overheating," Antonelli remarked. "A shame to lose the place because it would have been additional points."

Key Points from the Situation

• Red Bull has voiced remorse for comments made by a team member.
• Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli received death threats in the aftermath of those comments.
• The disputed comment involved an overtaking move that affected the championship standings.
• Video evidence confirm Antonelli lost control, contradicting the implication of team orders.
• The individual in question has apologised to Mercedes team leadership.