Red Bull Expresses Regret Over Remarks Following Online Abuse Against 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 social media vitriol, including vile threats, directed at young talent Kimi Antonelli.

Antonelli reportedly changed his Instagram profile to a solid black image on Monday, a reaction to the hurtful messages that appeared on his accounts. Mercedes stated that several of these messages constituted direct threats against the driver's life.

The controversy originated with radio communications 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 let rival driver Lando Norris to pass.

This occurrence proved crucial for the title fight, as the overtake secured extra points. This extended the Briton's championship lead over Verstappen to a dozen points heading into the season finale in Abu Dhabi.

In its official communication, Red Bull clarified: "Comments voiced implying that Kimi Antonelli had deliberately allowed Lando Norris past are clearly incorrect. Video evidence demonstrates Antonelli briefly losing control of his car, thereby enabling Norris to pass him. We deeply regret that this has led to Kimi receiving online abuse."

The team's statement did not include a formal apology for the original claim. However, sources indicate that Lambiase subsequently said sorry to Mercedes team principal after being shown footage of the on-track moment.

"This is complete and utter rubbish. That astounds me even to hear that," stated Wolff. "We are fighting for P2 in the constructors' championship... How brainless can you be to even say something like this?"

Wolff added that he had cleared the air with Lambiase, who claimed he had not seen the moment when he made the comment. 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 error. He commented he was pushing hard to catch Carlos Sainz and had a "massive moment" that led him to go off track and lose the position.

"It proved 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."

Main Takeaways from the Incident

• Red Bull has voiced remorse for radio remarks made by a team member.
• Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli was targeted by severe online abuse in the wake of those comments.
• The disputed comment involved an on-track pass that impacted the title battle.
• Video replays show Antonelli lost control, debunking the suggestion of deliberate action.
• The engineer involved has expressed regret to Mercedes management.