Red Bull Voices Regret Regarding Remarks Linked to Online Abuse Targeting Driver Kimi Antonelli

The Red Bull racing outfit has issued a statement expressing its sincere regret for comments made that preceded a torrent of online abuse, including vile threats, directed at young talent Kimi Antonelli.

Antonelli was said to have changed his social media picture to a solid black image on Monday, a reaction to the abusive comments that flooded his accounts. Mercedes confirmed that a number of these messages constituted threats against the youngster's life.

The situation stems from team radio during the closing stages of the recent race. Red Bull engineer Gianpiero Lambiase suggested over the air that it "looked like" Antonelli had "deliberately moved aside" to allow McLaren's Lando Norris through.

This incident proved crucial for the title fight, as the overtake earned him two additional points. This increased the McLaren driver's points advantage over Verstappen to 12 points ahead of the season finale in Abu Dhabi.

In its official communication, Red Bull clarified: "Observations made implying that Mercedes driver had deliberately allowed Lando Norris past are clearly incorrect. Video evidence demonstrates Antonelli briefly losing control of his car, thereby allowing Norris to get by. We sincerely regret that this has resulted in 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 reviewing footage of the on-track moment.

"This is complete and utter rubbish. That astounds me even to hear that," said Wolff. "We are battling for P2 in the constructors' championship... How foolish can you be to even say something like this?"

Wolff added that he had cleared the air with Lambiase, who stated he had not seen the moment when he made the comment. The team reported a "1,100% increase" in negative traffic targeting Antonelli following the race.

For his part, Antonelli explained the moment as a error. He said he was pushing hard to close on the Williams ahead and experienced a "big snap" that led him to go off track and lose the position.

"It proved 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."

Main Takeaways from the Situation

• Red Bull has expressed regret for comments made by a team member.
• Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli received death threats in the wake of those comments.
• The controversial remark involved an on-track pass that affected the title battle.
• Video evidence show Antonelli made a mistake, debunking the suggestion of team orders.
• The individual in question has apologised to Mercedes team leadership.