Red Bull Voices Regret Regarding Remarks Linked to Death Threats Against Mercedes Star Kimi Antonelli
The Red Bull Formula 1 team has issued a statement stating its sincere regret for comments made that were followed by widespread online abuse, including vile threats, directed at Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli.
Antonelli reportedly switched his social media picture to a blank image on Monday, a reaction to the abusive comments that appeared on his accounts. His team confirmed that a number of these messages included threats against the youngster's life.
The controversy originated with team radio during the closing stages of the recent race. Red Bull engineer Gianpiero Lambiase suggested over the air that it "appeared as if" Antonelli had "deliberately moved aside" to allow rival driver Lando Norris through.
This occurrence proved crucial for the title fight, as the overtake earned him extra points. This increased the McLaren driver's points advantage over Verstappen to 12 points heading into the final race in Abu Dhabi.
In its official communication, Red Bull asserted: "Comments voiced suggesting that Kimi Antonelli had deliberately allowed Lando Norris to overtake are clearly incorrect. Replay footage demonstrates Antonelli briefly losing control of his car, thus allowing Norris to get by. We deeply regret that this has resulted in Kimi receiving online abuse."
The team's statement stopped short of a formal apology for the initial accusation. However, reports indicate that Lambiase subsequently said sorry to Toto Wolff after reviewing video evidence of the on-track moment.
"This is total, utter nonsense. That blows my mind even to hear that," stated Wolff. "We are fighting for second place in the constructors' championship... How foolish can you be to even say something like this?"
Wolff added that he had cleared the air with Lambiase, who stated he had not seen the actual incident when he spoke over the radio. The team noted a "1,100% increase" in abusive messages targeting Antonelli after the race.
For his part, Antonelli explained the racing incident as a simple mistake. He commented he was driving aggressively to close on the Williams ahead and had a "big snap" that led him to go off track and lose the position.
"It was really hard with the turbulence and the high tyre temperatures," the driver stated. "It's disappointing to lose the place because it would have been two more points."
Key Points from the Incident
- Red Bull has voiced remorse for radio remarks made by a staff member.
- Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli received severe online abuse in the aftermath of those comments.
- The controversial remark centered on an on-track pass that affected the championship standings.
- Video replays show Antonelli made a mistake, debunking the suggestion of deliberate action.
- The engineer involved has expressed regret to Mercedes team leadership.
