The Red Bull team Voices Regret Over Remarks Linked to Online Abuse Targeting 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 a torrent of online abuse, including death threats, directed at young talent Kimi Antonelli.

Antonelli reportedly changed 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 communications constituted direct threats against the youngster's life.

The controversy stems from radio communications during the closing stages of the Qatar Grand Prix. Max Verstappen's race engineer suggested over the air that it "looked like" Antonelli had "deliberately moved aside" to let rival driver Lando Norris to pass.

This incident proved significant for the championship battle, as the overtake secured two additional points. This extended 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: "Observations made suggesting that Mercedes driver had intentionally let Lando Norris past are factually wrong. Replay footage shows Antonelli momentarily losing control of his car, thereby enabling Norris to get by. We sincerely regret that this has led to Kimi receiving such abuse."

The team's statement did not include a formal apology for the initial accusation. However, reports indicate that Lambiase subsequently apologised to Mercedes team principal after reviewing footage 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 team standings... How foolish can you be to even say something like this?"

Wolff explained that he had spoken with Lambiase, who claimed he did not witness the moment when he spoke over the radio. Mercedes reported a "massive surge" in abusive messages targeting Antonelli following the race.

For his part, Antonelli described the racing incident as a simple mistake. He commented he was pushing hard to catch the Williams ahead and experienced a "big snap" that led him to run wide and lose the position.

"It proved really hard with the dirty air and the high tyre temperatures," the driver stated. "It's disappointing to lose the place because it would have been two more points."

Main Takeaways from the Situation

• Red Bull has expressed regret for comments made by a team member.
• Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli was targeted by death threats in the wake of those comments.
• The disputed comment involved an on-track pass that affected the championship standings.
• Video evidence confirm Antonelli lost control, debunking the suggestion of team orders.
• The individual in question has expressed regret to Mercedes team leadership.