The Red Bull team Expresses Remorse Over Remarks Linked to Death Threats Targeting Driver Kimi Antonelli
The Red Bull Formula 1 team has issued a statement expressing its sincere regret for comments made that were followed by widespread online abuse, including death threats, directed at Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli.
Antonelli reportedly changed his Instagram profile to a blank image on Monday, a response to the abusive comments that appeared on his accounts. Mercedes confirmed that several of these messages included direct threats against the youngster's life.
The situation originated with radio communications during the final laps of the recent race. Red Bull engineer Gianpiero Lambiase remarked over the air that it "looked like" Antonelli had "deliberately moved aside" to let rival driver Lando Norris through.
This occurrence proved significant for the title fight, as the overtake earned him extra points. This extended the McLaren driver's points advantage over Verstappen to 12 points heading into the final race in Abu Dhabi.
In its official communication, Red Bull clarified: "Comments voiced suggesting that Mercedes driver had deliberately allowed Lando Norris to overtake are clearly incorrect. Video evidence shows Antonelli briefly losing control of his car, thus allowing Norris to pass him. We sincerely regret that this has led to Kimi being subjected to online abuse."
The team's statement stopped short of a direct apology for the initial accusation. However, reports indicate that Lambiase subsequently said sorry to Toto Wolff after being shown video evidence of the on-track moment.
"This is complete and utter rubbish. That blows my mind even to hear that," stated Wolff. "We are battling for second place in the team standings... How foolish can you be to even suggest something like this?"
Wolff explained that he had spoken with Lambiase, who claimed he had not seen the actual incident when he spoke over the radio. Mercedes noted a "massive surge" in abusive messages targeting Antonelli following the race.
For his part, Antonelli described the moment as a simple mistake. He said he was pushing hard to close on Carlos Sainz and had a "big snap" that caused him to go off track 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 two more points."
Key Points 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 controversial remark involved an overtaking move that impacted the title battle.
- Video evidence show Antonelli made a mistake, debunking the suggestion of deliberate action.
- The individual in question has apologised to Mercedes management.
