The Red Bull team Expresses Regret Over Comments Linked to Death Threats Targeting Driver Kimi Antonelli
The Red Bull Formula 1 team has released a comment expressing its sincere regret for post-race remarks that preceded a torrent of online abuse, including death threats, directed at young talent Kimi Antonelli.
Antonelli reportedly switched his Instagram profile to a solid black image on Monday, a response to the abusive comments that flooded his accounts. Mercedes stated that a number of these communications included direct threats against the driver's life.
The controversy originated with radio communications during the final laps of the recent race. Max Verstappen's race engineer remarked over the air that it "looked like" Antonelli had "just pulled over" to allow rival driver Lando Norris to pass.
This incident proved crucial for the championship battle, as the overtake secured extra points. This increased the Briton's championship lead over Verstappen to a dozen points ahead of the season finale in Abu Dhabi.
In its official communication, Red Bull clarified: "Comments voiced implying that Mercedes driver had intentionally let Lando Norris to overtake are clearly incorrect. Replay footage demonstrates Antonelli briefly losing control of his car, thereby allowing Norris to get by. We sincerely regret that this has resulted in Kimi being subjected to online abuse."
The team's statement did not include a direct apology for the original claim. However, reports indicate that Lambiase later apologised to Mercedes team principal after reviewing video evidence of the incident.
"This is total, utter nonsense. That astounds me even to hear that," said Wolff. "We are battling for second place in the team standings... How foolish can you be to even suggest 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. Mercedes noted a "massive surge" in abusive messages targeting Antonelli following the Grand Prix.
For his part, Antonelli described the racing incident as a simple mistake. He commented he was driving aggressively to close on Carlos Sainz and had a "big snap" that caused him to run wide and lose the position.
"It was really hard with the dirty air and the tyres were overheating," Antonelli remarked. "A shame to lose the place because it would have been two more points."
Main Takeaways from the Situation
- Red Bull has voiced remorse for comments made by a staff member.
- Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli received death threats in the aftermath of those comments.
- The disputed comment centered on an overtaking move that affected the title battle.
- Video replays confirm Antonelli made a mistake, debunking the implication of deliberate action.
- The individual in question has expressed regret to Mercedes management.
