Red Bull Voices Remorse Over Remarks Linked to Death Threats Targeting Mercedes Star Kimi Antonelli

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

Antonelli was said to have changed his social media picture to a blank image on Monday, a reaction to the abusive comments that appeared on his accounts. Mercedes stated that a number of these communications included direct threats against the youngster's life.

The situation stems from radio communications during the closing stages of the Qatar Grand Prix. Max Verstappen's race engineer suggested over the air that it "appeared as if" Antonelli had "just pulled over" to let McLaren's Lando Norris through.

This occurrence proved crucial for the championship battle, as Norris's pass secured two additional points. This increased the Briton's points advantage over Verstappen to 12 points ahead of the season finale in Abu Dhabi.

In its official communication, Red Bull clarified: "Comments voiced suggesting that Mercedes driver had deliberately allowed Lando Norris to overtake are factually wrong. Video evidence demonstrates Antonelli briefly losing control of his car, thus enabling Norris to pass him. We sincerely regret that this has resulted in Kimi being subjected to such abuse."

The team's announcement did not include a formal apology for the initial accusation. However, sources indicate that Lambiase subsequently said sorry to Mercedes team principal after reviewing footage of the incident.

"This is total, utter nonsense. That blows my mind even to hear that," said Wolff. "We are battling for P2 in the team standings... How brainless can you be to even suggest something like this?"

Wolff added that he had spoken with Lambiase, who claimed he had not seen the moment when he spoke over the radio. The team noted a "massive surge" in abusive messages targeting Antonelli after the race.

For his part, Antonelli described the racing incident as a error. He said he was pushing hard to catch Carlos Sainz and experienced a "massive moment" that led him to go off track and lose the position.

"It proved really hard with the turbulence and the tyres were overheating," 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 staff member.
• Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli received severe online abuse in the aftermath of those comments.
• The controversial remark centered on an on-track pass that impacted the title battle.
• Video replays confirm Antonelli lost control, contradicting the suggestion of deliberate action.
• The engineer involved has apologised to Mercedes team leadership.