The Red Bull team Voices Regret Regarding Remarks Linked to Death Threats Against Mercedes Star Kimi Antonelli
The Red Bull Formula 1 team has released a comment stating its sincere regret for comments made that were followed by widespread online abuse, including vile threats, directed at Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli.
Antonelli was said to have changed his Instagram profile to a blank image on Monday, a reaction to the abusive comments that appeared on his accounts. Mercedes confirmed that a number of these communications constituted direct threats against the driver's life.
The controversy originated with team radio during the closing stages of the recent race. Max Verstappen's race engineer suggested over the air that it "looked like" Antonelli had "deliberately moved aside" to let McLaren's Lando Norris through.
This occurrence proved crucial for the title fight, as the overtake earned him extra points. This extended the McLaren driver's points advantage over Verstappen to a dozen points heading into the season finale in Abu Dhabi.
In its official communication, Red Bull asserted: "Comments made suggesting that Mercedes driver had intentionally let Lando Norris to overtake are factually wrong. Replay footage shows Antonelli momentarily losing control of his car, thus allowing Norris to pass him. We sincerely regret that this has resulted in Kimi receiving online abuse."
The team's announcement did not include a direct apology for the original claim. However, reports indicate that Lambiase subsequently apologised to Toto Wolff after reviewing video evidence of the on-track moment.
"This is complete and utter rubbish. That astounds me even to hear that," stated Wolff. "We are battling 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 claimed he did not witness the moment when he made the comment. Mercedes reported a "massive surge" in negative traffic targeting Antonelli following the race.
For his part, Antonelli explained the racing incident as a error. He commented he was pushing hard to catch Carlos Sainz and experienced a "big snap" that led him to run wide and surrender fourth place.
"It was really hard with the dirty air and the tyres were overheating," Antonelli remarked. "It's disappointing to lose the place because it would have been two more points."
Main Takeaways from the Incident
- Red Bull has expressed regret for radio remarks made by a team member.
- Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli was targeted by severe online abuse in the aftermath of those comments.
- The disputed comment involved an overtaking move that impacted the title battle.
- Video replays show Antonelli lost control, contradicting the suggestion of team orders.
- The individual in question has apologised to Mercedes team leadership.
