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

The Red Bull Formula 1 team has released a comment stating its sincere regret for post-race remarks that were followed by widespread social media vitriol, 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 reaction to the abusive comments that flooded his accounts. Mercedes confirmed that several of these communications constituted threats against the youngster's life.

The controversy stems from team radio during the closing stages 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 increased the Briton's points advantage over Verstappen to 12 points heading into the final race in Abu Dhabi.

In its statement, Red Bull clarified: "Observations voiced suggesting that Mercedes driver had deliberately allowed Lando Norris past are factually wrong. Video evidence shows Antonelli momentarily losing control of his car, thus allowing Norris to get by. We deeply regret that this has resulted in Kimi being subjected to such abuse."

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

"This is total, utter nonsense. That blows my mind even to hear that," said Wolff. "We are battling for P2 in the team standings... How foolish can you be to even say something like this?"

Wolff explained that he had spoken with Lambiase, who claimed he had not seen the actual incident when he made the comment. The team reported a "1,100% increase" in abusive messages targeting Antonelli following the race.

For his part, Antonelli described the racing incident as a simple mistake. He said he was driving aggressively to catch Carlos Sainz and experienced a "massive moment" that led him to run wide and lose the position.

"It was 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 Situation

• Red Bull has expressed regret for comments made by a staff member.
• Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli received death threats in the aftermath of those comments.
• The controversial remark centered on an on-track pass that affected the title battle.
• Video evidence show Antonelli made a mistake, debunking the implication of deliberate action.
• The individual in question has apologised to Mercedes management.