The Red Bull team Expresses Regret Regarding Remarks Following Online Abuse Targeting Mercedes Star Kimi Antonelli
The Red Bull Formula 1 team has issued a statement expressing its sincere regret for post-race remarks that preceded a torrent of 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 abusive comments that appeared on his accounts. His team stated that several of these communications included threats against the driver's life.
The situation stems from radio communications during the final laps of the Qatar Grand Prix. Red Bull engineer Gianpiero Lambiase remarked over the air that it "looked like" Antonelli had "just pulled over" to allow rival driver Lando Norris through.
This incident proved crucial for the title fight, as the overtake earned him extra points. This increased the Briton's points advantage over Verstappen to 12 points ahead of the season finale in Abu Dhabi.
In its statement, Red Bull asserted: "Observations made implying that Mercedes driver had intentionally let Lando Norris to overtake are clearly incorrect. Replay footage demonstrates Antonelli briefly losing control of his car, thereby allowing Norris to pass him. We deeply regret that this has resulted in Kimi being subjected to such abuse."
The team's statement stopped short of a direct apology for the original claim. However, sources indicate that Lambiase later apologised to Toto Wolff after reviewing footage of the incident.
"This is complete and utter rubbish. That blows my mind even to hear that," said Wolff. "We are fighting for second place in the team standings... How brainless can you be to even suggest something like this?"
Wolff explained that he had cleared the air with Lambiase, who claimed he had not seen the actual incident when he made the comment. The team reported a "massive surge" in abusive messages targeting Antonelli following the Grand Prix.
For his part, Antonelli explained the moment as a error. He said he was driving aggressively to catch Carlos Sainz and experienced a "big snap" that caused him to go off track and surrender fourth place.
"It proved really hard with the dirty air and the tyres were overheating," Antonelli remarked. "It's disappointing to lose the place because it would have been additional points."
Main Takeaways from the Incident
- Red Bull has expressed regret for comments made by a staff member.
- Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli was targeted by death threats in the aftermath of those comments.
- The disputed comment involved an on-track pass that impacted the title battle.
- Video evidence show Antonelli lost control, debunking the suggestion of deliberate action.
- The individual in question has apologised to Mercedes management.
