The Red Bull team Expresses Remorse Over Comments Linked to Death Threats Against Mercedes Star Kimi Antonelli
The Red Bull racing outfit has released a comment stating its sincere regret for post-race remarks that preceded a torrent of social media vitriol, including vile threats, directed at Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli.
Antonelli reportedly changed his Instagram profile to a blank image on Monday, a reaction to the hurtful messages that flooded his accounts. Mercedes stated that several of these communications included direct threats against the youngster's life.
The situation stems from 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 "just pulled over" to allow McLaren's Lando Norris to pass.
This incident proved crucial for the title fight, as Norris's pass secured two additional points. This extended the Briton's championship lead over Verstappen to 12 points heading into the final race in Abu Dhabi.
In its statement, Red Bull asserted: "Observations made suggesting that Kimi Antonelli had intentionally let Lando Norris past are factually wrong. Replay footage demonstrates Antonelli momentarily losing control of his car, thereby allowing Norris to pass him. We deeply regret that this has led to Kimi being subjected to such abuse."
The team's announcement did not include a direct apology for the initial accusation. However, sources indicate that Lambiase later apologised to Toto Wolff after being shown footage of the incident.
"This is total, utter nonsense. That blows my mind even to hear that," stated Wolff. "We are battling 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 had not seen the moment when he made the comment. Mercedes reported a "massive surge" in abusive messages targeting Antonelli following the race.
For his part, Antonelli described the moment as a simple mistake. He commented he was pushing hard to catch the Williams ahead and had a "massive moment" that led him to go off track and surrender fourth place.
"It was really hard with the turbulence and the high tyre temperatures," Antonelli remarked. "A shame to lose the place because it would have been additional points."
Main Takeaways from the Situation
- Red Bull has voiced remorse for radio remarks made by a team member.
- Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli was targeted by severe online abuse in the aftermath of those comments.
- The controversial remark centered on an overtaking move that affected the title battle.
- Video evidence confirm Antonelli lost control, debunking the suggestion of deliberate action.
- The engineer involved has apologised to Mercedes team leadership.
