Red Bull Expresses Remorse Over Comments Linked to Online Abuse Against Driver Kimi Antonelli
The Red Bull Formula 1 team has released a comment expressing its deep remorse for post-race remarks that were followed by widespread social media vitriol, including vile threats, directed at young talent Kimi Antonelli.
Antonelli was said to have changed his Instagram profile to a blank image on Monday, a response to the abusive comments that flooded his accounts. Mercedes stated that a number of these communications constituted threats against the youngster's life.
The controversy originated with team radio during the closing stages of the recent race. Red Bull engineer Gianpiero Lambiase remarked over the air that it "looked like" Antonelli had "deliberately moved aside" to allow McLaren's Lando Norris through.
This occurrence proved significant for the championship battle, as the overtake earned him extra points. This extended the Briton's points advantage over Verstappen to a dozen points heading into the season finale in Abu Dhabi.
In its official communication, Red Bull asserted: "Observations made suggesting that Mercedes driver had intentionally let Lando Norris to overtake are clearly incorrect. Video evidence shows Antonelli momentarily losing control of his car, thereby enabling Norris to get by. We sincerely regret that this has led to Kimi receiving such abuse."
The team's statement did not include a formal apology for the initial accusation. However, reports indicate that Lambiase subsequently said sorry to Toto Wolff after reviewing footage of the on-track moment.
"This is total, utter nonsense. That astounds me even to hear that," said Wolff. "We are battling for second place 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 stated he did not witness the moment when he made the comment. The team reported a "massive surge" in negative traffic targeting Antonelli after the race.
For his part, Antonelli explained the racing incident as a error. He commented he was driving aggressively to close on Carlos Sainz and had a "massive moment" that led him to run wide and surrender fourth place.
"It was really hard with the turbulence and the high tyre temperatures," the driver stated. "A shame to lose the place because it would have been additional points."
Key Points from the Situation
- Red Bull has voiced remorse for comments made by a staff member.
- Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli was targeted by death threats in the wake of those comments.
- The controversial remark centered on an on-track pass that impacted the title battle.
- Video replays confirm Antonelli lost control, contradicting the suggestion of team orders.
- The engineer involved has expressed regret to Mercedes management.
