The Red Bull team Voices Remorse Regarding Remarks Following Online Abuse Targeting Mercedes Star Kimi Antonelli
The Red Bull Formula 1 team has released a comment expressing its sincere regret for comments made that were followed by a torrent of social media vitriol, including vile threats, directed at Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli.
Antonelli was said to have changed his Instagram profile to a solid black image on Monday, a response to the abusive comments that flooded his accounts. His team confirmed that several of these communications included threats against the driver's life.
The controversy stems from radio communications during the final laps of the Qatar Grand Prix. Red Bull engineer Gianpiero Lambiase suggested over the air that it "looked like" Antonelli had "just pulled over" to let McLaren's Lando Norris through.
This occurrence proved significant for the championship battle, as Norris's pass earned him extra points. This extended the Briton's championship lead over Verstappen to 12 points heading into the season finale in Abu Dhabi.
In its statement, Red Bull asserted: "Comments voiced suggesting that Mercedes driver had intentionally let Lando Norris past are factually wrong. Replay footage demonstrates Antonelli momentarily losing control of his car, thus allowing Norris to get by. We sincerely regret that this has led to Kimi receiving such abuse."
The team's announcement did not include a formal apology for the initial accusation. However, sources indicate that Lambiase later apologised to Mercedes team principal after reviewing video evidence of the on-track moment.
"This is total, utter nonsense. That astounds me even to hear that," said Wolff. "We are fighting for P2 in the team standings... How brainless can you be to even say something like this?"
Wolff added that he had cleared the air with Lambiase, who claimed he had not seen the actual incident when he spoke over the radio. The team noted a "massive surge" in abusive messages targeting Antonelli after the race.
For his part, Antonelli explained the moment as a simple mistake. He said he was driving aggressively to catch the Williams ahead and had 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," the driver stated. "It's disappointing to lose the place because it would have been two more points."
Main Takeaways from the Incident
- Red Bull has voiced remorse for comments made by a staff member.
- Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli was targeted by severe online abuse in the wake of those comments.
- The controversial remark involved an overtaking move that affected the championship standings.
- Video evidence confirm Antonelli made a mistake, debunking the implication of deliberate action.
- The individual in question has apologised to Mercedes management.
