Red Bull Voices Remorse Regarding Comments Linked to Death Threats Against Mercedes Star Kimi Antonelli
The Red Bull racing outfit has issued a statement expressing its sincere regret for comments made that preceded widespread online abuse, including vile threats, directed at young talent Kimi Antonelli.
Antonelli was said to have switched his social media picture to a solid black image on Monday, a response to the abusive comments that appeared on his accounts. Mercedes confirmed that several of these messages constituted threats against the youngster's life.
The controversy stems from team radio during the final laps of the recent race. Red Bull engineer Gianpiero Lambiase suggested over the air that it "appeared as if" Antonelli had "just pulled over" to let McLaren's Lando Norris to pass.
This occurrence proved crucial for the title fight, as Norris's pass earned him two additional points. This increased the Briton's points advantage over Verstappen to a dozen points ahead of the season finale in Abu Dhabi.
In its official communication, Red Bull clarified: "Comments made suggesting that Mercedes driver had deliberately allowed Lando Norris past are factually wrong. Replay footage shows Antonelli briefly losing control of his car, thus allowing Norris to get by. We deeply regret that this has resulted in Kimi being subjected to online abuse."
The team's announcement stopped short of a direct apology for the initial accusation. However, sources 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 second place in the constructors' championship... How foolish can you be to even say something like this?"
Wolff explained that he had spoken with Lambiase, who stated he had not seen the actual incident when he spoke over the radio. Mercedes reported a "massive surge" in abusive messages targeting Antonelli following the race.
For his part, Antonelli described the moment as a error. He commented he was pushing hard to catch Carlos Sainz and experienced a "big snap" that led him to go off track and lose the position.
"It proved really hard with the dirty air and the high tyre temperatures," Antonelli remarked. "It's disappointing to lose the place because it would have been additional points."
Key Points from the Incident
- Red Bull has voiced remorse 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 affected the championship standings.
- Video replays show Antonelli made a mistake, contradicting the implication of team orders.
- The individual in question has apologised to Mercedes management.
