Red Bull Expresses Remorse Regarding Comments 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 social media vitriol, including death threats, directed at young talent Kimi Antonelli.

Antonelli was said to have changed his Instagram profile to a solid black image on Monday, a response to the hurtful messages that flooded his accounts. His team confirmed that several of these communications included threats against the driver's life.

The controversy originated with team radio during the final laps of the Qatar Grand Prix. Max Verstappen's race engineer suggested over the air that it "looked like" Antonelli had "just pulled over" to let rival driver Lando Norris through.

This incident proved crucial for the title fight, as Norris's pass secured two additional points. This increased the Briton's championship lead over Verstappen to a dozen points heading into the final race in Abu Dhabi.

In its statement, Red Bull asserted: "Observations made suggesting that Mercedes driver had deliberately allowed Lando Norris to overtake are factually wrong. Replay footage shows Antonelli momentarily losing control of his car, thereby allowing Norris to pass him. We deeply regret that this has led to Kimi being subjected to such abuse."

The team's announcement stopped short of a direct apology for the original claim. However, reports indicate that Lambiase subsequently said sorry to Toto Wolff after being shown footage of the incident.

"This is total, utter nonsense. That astounds me even to hear that," stated Wolff. "We are fighting for P2 in the constructors' championship... How brainless can you be to even suggest something like this?"

Wolff explained 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 after the race.

For his part, Antonelli explained the moment as a simple mistake. He commented he was pushing hard to catch Carlos Sainz and experienced a "big snap" that led him to go off track and surrender fourth place.

"It was really hard with the dirty air and the tyres were overheating," the driver stated. "It's disappointing to lose the place because it would have been two more points."

Key Points from the Incident

• Red Bull has expressed regret for radio remarks made by a team member.
• Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli received death threats in the aftermath of those comments.
• The controversial remark centered on an overtaking move that affected the championship standings.
• Video evidence confirm Antonelli made a mistake, debunking the suggestion of team orders.
• The individual in question has apologised to Mercedes management.