The Red Bull team Expresses Regret Regarding Remarks Following Death Threats Against Driver Kimi Antonelli
The Red Bull racing outfit has released a comment expressing its sincere regret for post-race remarks that were followed by widespread social media vitriol, including vile threats, directed at Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli.
Antonelli reportedly switched his Instagram profile to a blank image on Monday, a reaction to the hurtful messages that flooded his accounts. His team stated that a number of these communications included threats against the youngster's life.
The controversy originated with radio communications during the final laps of the Qatar Grand Prix. Red Bull engineer Gianpiero Lambiase suggested over the air that it "appeared as if" Antonelli had "deliberately moved aside" to let rival driver Lando Norris through.
This incident proved crucial for the title fight, as Norris's pass earned him two additional points. This extended the Briton's points advantage over Verstappen to 12 points heading into the season finale in Abu Dhabi.
In its statement, Red Bull clarified: "Comments voiced implying that Kimi Antonelli had deliberately allowed Lando Norris to overtake are clearly incorrect. Video evidence demonstrates Antonelli momentarily losing control of his car, thereby enabling Norris to get by. We sincerely regret that this has resulted in Kimi being subjected to online abuse."
The team's statement stopped short of a direct apology for the initial accusation. However, sources indicate that Lambiase later apologised to Mercedes team principal after being shown footage of the on-track moment.
"This is total, utter nonsense. That blows my mind even to hear that," said 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 cleared the air with Lambiase, who claimed he had not seen the moment when he spoke over the radio. Mercedes reported a "massive surge" in negative traffic targeting Antonelli after the race.
For his part, Antonelli explained the racing incident as a simple mistake. He commented he was pushing hard to catch the Williams ahead and experienced a "massive moment" that caused him to go off track and surrender fourth place.
"It was really hard with the turbulence and the tyres were overheating," Antonelli remarked. "It's disappointing to lose the place because it would have been two more points."
Key Points from the Situation
- Red Bull has voiced remorse for comments made by a staff member.
- Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli was targeted by death threats in the aftermath of those comments.
- The controversial remark centered on an on-track pass that impacted the title battle.
- Video evidence show Antonelli made a mistake, contradicting the suggestion of deliberate action.
- The individual in question has expressed regret to Mercedes team leadership.
