Red Bull Expresses Remorse Regarding Remarks Following Death Threats Targeting Driver Kimi Antonelli

The Red Bull Formula 1 team has issued a statement stating its deep remorse for post-race remarks that preceded widespread online abuse, including death threats, directed at Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli.

Antonelli reportedly changed his Instagram profile to a blank image on Monday, a response to the hurtful messages that appeared on his accounts. Mercedes stated that several of these messages included direct threats against the driver's life.

The situation stems from team radio during the final laps of the Qatar Grand Prix. Max Verstappen's race engineer suggested over the air that it "appeared as if" Antonelli had "deliberately moved aside" to allow rival driver Lando Norris to pass.

This incident proved significant for the title fight, as Norris's pass 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 statement, Red Bull clarified: "Observations voiced implying that Mercedes driver had deliberately allowed Lando Norris past are clearly incorrect. Replay footage demonstrates Antonelli momentarily losing control of his car, thereby allowing Norris to pass him. We deeply regret that this has led to Kimi receiving such abuse."

The team's announcement did not include a formal apology for the original claim. However, sources indicate that Lambiase later said sorry to Mercedes team principal after reviewing video evidence of the on-track moment.

"This is total, utter nonsense. 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 say something like this?"

Wolff explained that he had spoken with Lambiase, who claimed he did not witness the moment when he made the comment. Mercedes reported a "massive surge" in abusive messages targeting Antonelli following the Grand Prix.

For his part, Antonelli explained the racing incident as a error. He said he was pushing hard to catch the Williams ahead and experienced a "big snap" that caused him to run wide 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 additional points."

Main Takeaways from the Situation

• Red Bull has expressed regret for radio remarks made by a staff member.
• Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli received death threats in the aftermath of those comments.
• The disputed comment centered on an overtaking move that impacted the title battle.
• Video evidence confirm Antonelli made a mistake, contradicting the suggestion of team orders.
• The individual in question has apologised to Mercedes management.