The Red Bull team Voices Remorse Regarding Comments Linked to Death Threats Against Driver Kimi Antonelli
The Red Bull racing outfit has released a comment expressing its sincere regret for comments made that preceded a torrent of online abuse, including vile threats, directed at young talent Kimi Antonelli.
Antonelli reportedly changed his social media picture to a solid black image on Monday, a reaction to the hurtful messages that flooded his accounts. His team stated that a number of these communications included direct threats against the youngster's life.
The situation originated with team radio during the final laps of the recent race. Max Verstappen's race engineer suggested over the air that it "appeared as if" Antonelli had "just pulled over" to let McLaren's Lando Norris to pass.
This incident proved crucial for the title fight, as Norris's pass secured extra points. This extended 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 suggesting that Kimi Antonelli had deliberately allowed Lando Norris past are factually wrong. Video evidence demonstrates Antonelli momentarily losing control of his car, thereby allowing Norris to get by. We sincerely regret that this has resulted in Kimi being subjected to such abuse."
The team's statement stopped short of a formal apology for the original claim. However, reports indicate that Lambiase subsequently said sorry to Toto Wolff after being shown footage of the on-track moment.
"This is complete and utter rubbish. That astounds me even to hear that," said Wolff. "We are battling for second place in the constructors' championship... How foolish can you be to even suggest something like this?"
Wolff added that he had spoken with Lambiase, who claimed he did not witness the moment when he made the comment. Mercedes reported a "1,100% increase" in negative traffic targeting Antonelli after the Grand Prix.
For his part, Antonelli described the moment as a simple mistake. He said he was driving aggressively to catch Carlos Sainz and experienced a "massive moment" that caused him to go off track 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 additional points."
Key Points from the Situation
- Red Bull has voiced remorse for radio remarks made by a staff member.
- Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli was targeted by severe online abuse in the aftermath of those comments.
- The disputed comment centered on an overtaking move that impacted the title battle.
- Video replays confirm Antonelli made a mistake, contradicting the implication of team orders.
- The individual in question has expressed regret to Mercedes management.
