The Red Bull team Expresses Remorse Over Remarks Linked to Death Threats Against Mercedes Star Kimi Antonelli

The Red Bull Formula 1 team has released a comment stating its deep remorse for comments made that were followed by widespread online abuse, including death threats, directed at Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli.

Antonelli reportedly switched his Instagram profile to a solid black image on Monday, a reaction to the hurtful messages that flooded his accounts. His team stated that a number of these messages constituted 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 remarked over the air that it "appeared as if" Antonelli had "just pulled over" to allow McLaren's Lando Norris through.

This occurrence proved significant for the title fight, as the overtake secured extra points. This increased the McLaren driver's points advantage over Verstappen to 12 points heading into the season finale in Abu Dhabi.

In its statement, Red Bull clarified: "Comments voiced implying that Mercedes driver had intentionally let Lando Norris past are clearly incorrect. Replay footage demonstrates Antonelli briefly losing control of his car, thus allowing Norris to pass him. We deeply regret that this has resulted in Kimi receiving online abuse."

The team's announcement did not include a direct apology for the initial accusation. However, reports indicate that Lambiase subsequently apologised to Mercedes team principal after reviewing video evidence of the incident.

"This is complete and utter rubbish. That blows my mind even to hear that," stated Wolff. "We are fighting for P2 in the constructors' championship... How foolish can you be to even say 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. The team reported a "1,100% increase" in abusive messages targeting Antonelli after the race.

For his part, Antonelli described the moment as a error. He said he was driving aggressively to close on the Williams ahead and had a "massive moment" that led him to go off track and surrender fourth place.

"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 expressed regret for comments made by a staff member.
• Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli received severe online abuse in the wake of those comments.
• The disputed comment involved an on-track pass that affected the championship standings.
• Video evidence confirm Antonelli lost control, debunking the suggestion of team orders.
• The individual in question has apologised to Mercedes management.