Red Bull Expresses Regret Over Comments Linked to Online Abuse Against Mercedes Star Kimi Antonelli

The Red Bull Formula 1 team has issued a statement stating its sincere regret for post-race remarks that preceded widespread online abuse, including death threats, directed at young talent Kimi Antonelli.

Antonelli reportedly changed his social media picture to a blank image on Monday, a reaction to the hurtful messages that flooded his accounts. Mercedes confirmed that a number of these communications constituted direct threats against the driver's life.

The situation originated with 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 "deliberately moved aside" to let rival driver Lando Norris to pass.

This incident proved crucial for the championship battle, as the overtake secured two additional points. This increased 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 asserted: "Observations made suggesting that Mercedes driver had intentionally let Lando Norris past are clearly incorrect. Replay footage demonstrates Antonelli momentarily losing control of his car, thus enabling Norris to pass him. We deeply regret that this has resulted in Kimi receiving such abuse."

The team's announcement stopped short of a formal 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 total, utter nonsense. That blows my mind even to hear that," stated Wolff. "We are battling for P2 in the team standings... How brainless can you be to even say something like this?"

Wolff explained 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 moment as a error. He said he was driving aggressively to catch the Williams ahead and experienced a "massive moment" that led him to go off track and surrender fourth place.

"It proved really hard with the dirty air and the high tyre temperatures," the driver stated. "It's disappointing to lose the place because it would have been two more points."

Main Takeaways from the Situation

• Red Bull has voiced remorse for radio remarks made by a team member.
• Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli received severe online abuse in the aftermath of those comments.
• The disputed comment centered on an overtaking move that impacted the title battle.
• Video replays show Antonelli lost control, contradicting the implication of deliberate action.
• The individual in question has expressed regret to Mercedes team leadership.