Red Bull Voices Remorse Over Remarks Following Online Abuse Targeting Mercedes Star Kimi Antonelli

The Red Bull Formula 1 team has released a comment stating its deep remorse for post-race remarks that were followed by widespread social media vitriol, including death threats, directed at Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli.

Antonelli was said to have changed his Instagram profile to a solid black image on Monday, a reaction to the hurtful messages that flooded his accounts. His team stated that several of these communications included direct threats against the driver's life.

The situation stems from team radio during the closing stages of the Qatar Grand Prix. Max Verstappen's race engineer suggested over the air that it "looked like" Antonelli had "deliberately moved aside" to let McLaren's Lando Norris to pass.

This incident proved crucial for the championship battle, as the overtake earned him two additional points. This increased the Briton's championship lead over Verstappen to a dozen points heading into the final race in Abu Dhabi.

In its statement, Red Bull clarified: "Observations voiced implying that Kimi Antonelli had intentionally let Lando Norris past are factually wrong. Video evidence demonstrates Antonelli momentarily losing control of his car, thereby allowing Norris to pass him. We sincerely regret that this has led to Kimi being subjected to online abuse."

The team's announcement did not include a direct apology for the initial accusation. However, sources indicate that Lambiase later said sorry to Toto Wolff after being shown video evidence 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 team standings... How foolish can you be to even suggest something like this?"

Wolff added that he had spoken with Lambiase, who stated he did not witness the actual incident when he spoke over the radio. The team noted a "1,100% increase" in abusive messages targeting Antonelli following the Grand Prix.

For his part, Antonelli explained the moment as a simple mistake. He said he was driving aggressively to catch the Williams ahead and experienced a "big snap" that caused him to go off track and lose the position.

"It proved really hard with the dirty air and the tyres were overheating," the driver stated. "It's disappointing 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 centered on an on-track pass that impacted the championship standings.
• Video evidence show Antonelli made a mistake, contradicting the implication of deliberate action.
• The individual in question has expressed regret to Mercedes team leadership.