Red Bull Voices Remorse Over 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 post-race remarks that preceded a torrent of online abuse, including vile threats, directed at Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli.
Antonelli was said to have switched his social media picture to a blank image on Monday, a response to the abusive comments that appeared on his accounts. His team stated that several of these messages constituted threats against the youngster's life.
The situation stems from team radio during the closing stages of the Qatar Grand Prix. Red Bull engineer Gianpiero Lambiase remarked over the air that it "appeared as if" Antonelli had "deliberately moved aside" to let rival driver Lando Norris through.
This occurrence proved crucial for the championship battle, as Norris's pass earned him two additional points. This increased the McLaren driver's championship lead over Verstappen to 12 points heading into the final race in Abu Dhabi.
In its official communication, Red Bull asserted: "Observations made implying that Mercedes driver had intentionally let Lando Norris past are clearly incorrect. Replay footage demonstrates Antonelli briefly losing control of his car, thus allowing Norris to pass him. We sincerely regret that this has resulted in Kimi being subjected to such abuse."
The team's statement did not include a formal apology for the initial accusation. However, sources indicate that Lambiase later apologised 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 battling for second place in the team standings... How foolish can you be to even say something like this?"
Wolff added that he had cleared the air with Lambiase, who claimed he had not seen the actual incident when he spoke over the radio. Mercedes reported a "1,100% increase" in abusive messages targeting Antonelli following the race.
For his part, Antonelli described the moment as a error. He commented he was pushing hard to catch the Williams ahead and had a "big snap" that led him to go off track and surrender fourth place.
"It proved really hard with the dirty air and the tyres were overheating," Antonelli remarked. "A shame to lose the place because it would have been additional points."
Key Points from the Incident
- Red Bull has voiced remorse for comments made by a staff member.
- Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli received severe online abuse in the wake of those comments.
- The controversial remark centered on an on-track pass that impacted the title battle.
- Video replays confirm Antonelli lost control, debunking the implication of team orders.
- The engineer involved has expressed regret to Mercedes management.
