The Red Bull team Expresses Remorse Regarding Comments Linked to Online Abuse Targeting Driver Kimi Antonelli

The Red Bull racing outfit has issued a statement expressing its sincere regret for comments made that preceded a torrent of online abuse, including death threats, directed at young talent Kimi Antonelli.

Antonelli reportedly changed his Instagram profile to a solid black image on Monday, a response to the abusive comments that appeared on his accounts. Mercedes stated that a number of these messages included threats against the youngster's life.

The situation stems from team radio during the final laps of the Qatar Grand Prix. 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 Norris's pass earned him extra points. This increased the McLaren driver's championship lead over Verstappen to a dozen points heading into the season finale in Abu Dhabi.

In its statement, Red Bull asserted: "Comments voiced implying that Mercedes driver had intentionally let Lando Norris past are factually wrong. Video evidence shows Antonelli briefly losing control of his car, thus enabling Norris to get by. We deeply regret that this has led to Kimi receiving online abuse."

The team's statement did not include a formal apology for the initial accusation. 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 astounds me even to hear that," said Wolff. "We are battling for P2 in the constructors' championship... How brainless can you be to even suggest something like this?"

Wolff explained that he had cleared the air with Lambiase, who stated he did not witness the moment when he spoke over the radio. The team reported a "1,100% increase" 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 Carlos Sainz and had a "big snap" that caused him to go off track and surrender fourth place.

"It was really hard with the dirty air and the high tyre temperatures," the driver stated. "A shame to lose the place because it would have been two more points."

Main Takeaways from the Situation

• Red Bull has expressed regret for radio remarks made by a team member.
• Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli was targeted by death threats in the wake of those comments.
• The controversial remark involved an overtaking move that impacted the title battle.
• Video replays confirm Antonelli lost control, debunking the implication of deliberate action.
• The engineer involved has expressed regret to Mercedes management.