Red Bull Voices Regret Regarding Comments Following Online Abuse Targeting Mercedes Star Kimi Antonelli

The Red Bull Formula 1 team has released a comment expressing its sincere regret for post-race remarks that preceded widespread online abuse, including death threats, directed at Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli.

Antonelli was said to have switched his Instagram profile to a solid black image on Monday, a response to the abusive comments that flooded his accounts. His team stated that a number of these messages constituted direct threats against the driver's life.

The controversy stems from team radio during the final laps of the Qatar Grand Prix. Red Bull engineer Gianpiero Lambiase suggested over the air that it "appeared as if" Antonelli had "just pulled over" to let McLaren's Lando Norris through.

This occurrence proved significant for the championship battle, as Norris's pass earned him two additional points. This extended the McLaren driver's championship lead over Verstappen to a dozen points heading into the final race in Abu Dhabi.

In its official communication, Red Bull clarified: "Comments made suggesting that Mercedes driver had deliberately allowed Lando Norris to overtake are clearly incorrect. Replay footage shows Antonelli momentarily losing control of his car, thus enabling Norris to pass him. We sincerely regret that this has resulted in Kimi being subjected to online abuse."

The team's statement stopped short of a formal apology for the initial accusation. However, reports indicate that Lambiase later said sorry to Toto Wolff 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 constructors' championship... How brainless can you be to even suggest something like this?"

Wolff added that he had cleared the air with Lambiase, who stated he did not witness the moment when he spoke over the radio. Mercedes noted a "1,100% increase" in negative traffic targeting Antonelli after the race.

For his part, Antonelli explained the racing incident as a error. He said 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 was really hard with the turbulence and the high tyre temperatures," the driver stated. "A shame to lose the place because it would have been additional points."

Key Points from the Incident

• Red Bull has voiced remorse for comments made by a staff member.
• Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli received death threats in the aftermath of those comments.
• The disputed comment centered on an on-track pass that impacted the title battle.
• Video evidence confirm Antonelli made a mistake, contradicting the implication of deliberate action.
• The engineer involved has expressed regret to Mercedes team leadership.