Red Bull Voices Remorse Over Remarks Linked to Online Abuse Targeting Mercedes Star Kimi Antonelli

The Red Bull Formula 1 team has released a comment stating its deep remorse for comments made that were followed by widespread online abuse, including death threats, directed at young talent Kimi Antonelli.

Antonelli was said to have switched his Instagram profile to a blank image on Monday, a response to the hurtful messages that appeared on his accounts. His team stated that several of these communications included threats against the driver's life.

The controversy originated with team radio during the final laps of the Qatar Grand Prix. Red Bull engineer Gianpiero Lambiase remarked over the air that it "looked like" Antonelli had "just pulled over" to let McLaren's Lando Norris through.

This incident proved crucial for the title fight, as the overtake secured extra points. This increased the McLaren driver's championship lead over Verstappen to a dozen points ahead of the season finale in Abu Dhabi.

In its statement, Red Bull clarified: "Observations voiced suggesting that Mercedes driver had deliberately allowed Lando Norris past are clearly incorrect. Replay footage shows Antonelli briefly losing control of his car, thus enabling Norris to get by. We sincerely regret that this has resulted in Kimi being subjected to such abuse."

The team's announcement did not include a formal apology for the original claim. However, reports indicate that Lambiase subsequently apologised to Mercedes team principal after reviewing video evidence of the incident.

"This is total, utter nonsense. That astounds me even to hear that," stated Wolff. "We are battling for P2 in the constructors' championship... How brainless can you be to even say something like this?"

Wolff added that he had cleared the air with Lambiase, who stated he did not witness the moment when he spoke over the radio. The team reported a "1,100% increase" in negative traffic targeting Antonelli after the race.

For his part, Antonelli described the moment as a error. He said he was pushing hard to close on Carlos Sainz and had a "big snap" that caused him to go off track and surrender fourth place.

"It proved really hard with the turbulence and the high tyre temperatures," Antonelli remarked. "It's disappointing to lose the place because it would have been two more points."

Main Takeaways from the Incident

• Red Bull has expressed regret for comments made by a team member.
• Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli received severe online abuse in the aftermath of those comments.
• The disputed comment centered on an overtaking move that impacted the championship standings.
• Video replays confirm Antonelli made a mistake, contradicting the suggestion of team orders.
• The individual in question has apologised to Mercedes team leadership.