Red Bull Voices Regret Regarding Comments Following Online Abuse Against Driver Kimi Antonelli
The Red Bull Formula 1 team has issued a statement stating its deep remorse for post-race remarks that were followed by widespread social media vitriol, including death threats, directed at Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli.
Antonelli reportedly switched his Instagram profile to a blank image on Monday, a reaction to the hurtful messages that appeared on his accounts. His team confirmed that a number of these messages included direct threats against the youngster's life.
The situation originated with team radio during the final laps of the recent race. Max Verstappen's race engineer suggested over the air that it "looked like" Antonelli had "deliberately moved aside" to let rival driver Lando Norris through.
This incident proved crucial for the championship battle, as the overtake earned him extra points. This extended the Briton's points advantage over Verstappen to 12 points ahead of the final race in Abu Dhabi.
In its official communication, Red Bull asserted: "Comments voiced implying that Mercedes driver had deliberately allowed Lando Norris past are clearly incorrect. 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 stopped short of a direct apology for the original claim. However, sources indicate that Lambiase later said sorry to Mercedes team principal after being shown video evidence of the incident.
"This is total, utter nonsense. That blows my mind even to hear that," said Wolff. "We are battling for P2 in the constructors' championship... How brainless can you be to even say 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. Mercedes reported a "1,100% increase" in abusive messages targeting Antonelli following the race.
For his part, Antonelli explained the racing incident as a simple mistake. He said he was pushing hard to close on Carlos Sainz and had a "massive moment" that caused him to go off track and surrender fourth place.
"It proved really hard with the turbulence and the tyres were overheating," Antonelli remarked. "It's disappointing to lose the place because it would have been two more points."
Key Points from the Situation
- Red Bull has expressed regret for comments made by a team member.
- Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli was targeted by severe online abuse in the wake of those comments.
- The controversial remark centered on an on-track pass that affected the title battle.
- Video evidence show Antonelli lost control, debunking the suggestion of team orders.
- The engineer involved has apologised to Mercedes management.
