Red Bull Voices Regret Over Remarks Linked to Death Threats Against Driver 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 death threats, directed at young talent Kimi Antonelli.
Antonelli was said to have switched his social media picture to a solid black image on Monday, a reaction to the abusive comments that flooded 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 allow McLaren's Lando Norris through.
This incident proved significant for the championship battle, as the overtake secured two additional points. This extended the McLaren driver's points advantage over Verstappen to 12 points ahead of the final race in Abu Dhabi.
In its statement, Red Bull asserted: "Comments made suggesting that Mercedes driver had intentionally let Lando Norris past are clearly incorrect. Replay footage demonstrates Antonelli briefly losing control of his car, thereby enabling Norris to get by. We sincerely regret that this has led to Kimi receiving online abuse."
The team's statement did not include a direct apology for the initial accusation. However, reports indicate that Lambiase later apologised to Toto Wolff after being shown footage of the incident.
"This is total, utter nonsense. That astounds me even to hear that," stated Wolff. "We are fighting for P2 in the team standings... How brainless 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 spoke over the radio. Mercedes reported a "massive surge" in abusive messages targeting Antonelli following the Grand Prix.
For his part, Antonelli explained the moment as a simple mistake. He said he was driving aggressively to close on Carlos Sainz and experienced a "massive moment" that caused him to go off track and surrender fourth place.
"It was really hard with the turbulence and the high tyre temperatures," Antonelli remarked. "It's disappointing to lose the place because it would have been two more points."
Key Points from the Situation
- Red Bull has voiced remorse for comments made by a staff member.
- Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli received death threats in the wake of those comments.
- The controversial remark involved an overtaking move that affected the championship standings.
- Video replays confirm Antonelli made a mistake, contradicting the suggestion of deliberate action.
- The individual in question has apologised to Mercedes management.
