Red Bull Voices Regret Over Remarks Linked to Online Abuse Targeting Driver Kimi Antonelli

The Red Bull Formula 1 team has released a comment expressing its deep remorse for comments made that were followed by a torrent of social media vitriol, including vile threats, directed at Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli.

Antonelli reportedly changed his Instagram profile to a blank image on Monday, a reaction to the abusive comments that appeared on his accounts. His team stated that a number of these communications constituted threats against the youngster's life.

The situation stems from radio communications during the final laps of the Qatar Grand Prix. Max Verstappen's race engineer suggested over the air that it "appeared as if" Antonelli had "just pulled over" to allow rival driver Lando Norris through.

This occurrence proved crucial for the title fight, as Norris's pass earned him two additional points. This extended the McLaren driver's championship lead over Verstappen to a dozen points ahead of the season finale in Abu Dhabi.

In its official communication, Red Bull asserted: "Comments made suggesting that Kimi Antonelli had deliberately allowed Lando Norris to overtake are clearly incorrect. Video evidence demonstrates Antonelli momentarily losing control of his car, thereby enabling Norris to pass him. We deeply regret that this has led to Kimi receiving such abuse."

The team's statement stopped short of a direct apology for the initial accusation. However, reports indicate that Lambiase later apologised to Toto Wolff after reviewing footage of the on-track moment.

"This is total, utter nonsense. That astounds me even to hear that," said Wolff. "We are fighting for P2 in the team standings... How brainless can you be to even say something like this?"

Wolff added that he had spoken with Lambiase, who claimed he did not witness the actual incident when he made the comment. Mercedes reported a "massive surge" in abusive messages targeting Antonelli after the Grand Prix.

For his part, Antonelli described the racing incident as a error. He commented he was driving aggressively to close on Carlos Sainz and experienced a "big snap" that caused him to run wide 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 additional points."

Key Points 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 disputed comment involved an on-track pass that affected the title battle.
• Video replays show Antonelli made a mistake, debunking the implication of deliberate action.
• The individual in question has expressed regret to Mercedes team leadership.