Red Bull Expresses Regret Regarding Remarks Linked to Online Abuse Against Mercedes Star 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 changed his Instagram profile to a blank image on Monday, a response to the hurtful messages that flooded his accounts. Mercedes confirmed that a number of these communications included threats against the youngster's life.

The controversy stems from radio communications 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 "just pulled over" to allow McLaren's Lando Norris through.

This occurrence proved crucial for the championship battle, as the overtake earned him extra points. This extended the McLaren driver's points advantage over Verstappen to a dozen points ahead of the final race in Abu Dhabi.

In its official communication, Red Bull clarified: "Observations voiced implying that Kimi Antonelli had intentionally let Lando Norris past are factually wrong. Replay footage demonstrates Antonelli momentarily losing control of his car, thus enabling Norris to get by. We deeply regret that this has resulted in Kimi receiving such abuse."

The team's statement stopped short of a direct apology for the original claim. However, sources indicate that Lambiase later said sorry to Mercedes team principal after reviewing video evidence of the incident.

"This is complete and utter rubbish. That blows my mind even to hear that," said Wolff. "We are battling for second place in the constructors' championship... How foolish 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 made the comment. The team reported a "1,100% increase" in negative traffic targeting Antonelli after the Grand Prix.

For his part, Antonelli explained the racing incident as a error. He said he was driving aggressively to close on Carlos Sainz and experienced a "massive moment" that led him to go off track 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."

Key Points from the Situation

• Red Bull has expressed regret for comments made by a staff member.
• Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli was targeted by severe online abuse in the aftermath of those comments.
• The disputed comment centered on an on-track pass that impacted the title battle.
• Video replays show Antonelli made a mistake, debunking the implication of deliberate action.
• The individual in question has apologised to Mercedes management.