Red Bull Expresses Regret Over Remarks Linked to Death Threats Targeting Mercedes Star Kimi Antonelli
The Red Bull Formula 1 team has released a comment expressing its deep remorse for post-race remarks that preceded widespread social media vitriol, including death threats, directed at Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli.
Antonelli was said to have switched his Instagram profile to a blank image on Monday, a reaction to the hurtful messages that flooded his accounts. Mercedes stated that several of these messages included direct threats against the youngster's life.
The situation stems from team radio during the closing stages of the recent race. Red Bull engineer Gianpiero Lambiase suggested over the air that it "looked like" Antonelli had "deliberately moved aside" to allow rival driver Lando Norris to pass.
This occurrence proved crucial for the title fight, as the overtake earned him two additional points. This increased the Briton's points advantage over Verstappen to a dozen points ahead of the season finale in Abu Dhabi.
In its official communication, Red Bull clarified: "Comments made implying that Mercedes driver had intentionally let Lando Norris past are clearly incorrect. Replay footage shows Antonelli momentarily losing control of his car, thereby allowing Norris to get by. We sincerely regret that this has led to Kimi being subjected to online abuse."
The team's statement stopped short of a direct apology for the original claim. However, sources indicate that Lambiase later apologised to Mercedes team principal after being shown footage of the on-track moment.
"This is total, utter nonsense. That blows my mind even to hear that," stated Wolff. "We are battling for P2 in the team standings... How foolish can you be to even suggest something like this?"
Wolff explained that he had cleared the air with Lambiase, who claimed he had not seen the moment when he made the comment. Mercedes reported a "massive surge" in negative traffic targeting Antonelli following the race.
For his part, Antonelli explained the moment as a error. He commented he was driving aggressively to catch Carlos Sainz and experienced 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," the driver stated. "A shame to lose the place because it would have been two more points."
Key Points from the Incident
- Red Bull has expressed regret for comments made by a team member.
- Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli received death threats in the aftermath of those comments.
- The controversial remark centered on an overtaking move that affected the title battle.
- Video replays confirm Antonelli made a mistake, contradicting the implication of deliberate action.
- The individual in question has expressed regret to Mercedes management.
