Red Bull Voices Regret Regarding Remarks Linked to Online Abuse Against Driver Kimi Antonelli

The Red Bull Formula 1 team has released a comment stating its sincere regret for post-race remarks that preceded widespread online abuse, including vile threats, directed at Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli.

Antonelli reportedly changed his Instagram profile to a blank image on Monday, a response to the abusive comments that appeared on his accounts. His team confirmed that a number of these communications constituted threats against the youngster's life.

The situation originated with team radio during the closing stages of the Qatar Grand Prix. Max Verstappen's race engineer suggested over the air that it "appeared as if" Antonelli had "deliberately moved aside" to allow McLaren's Lando Norris to pass.

This occurrence proved crucial for the title fight, as the overtake secured extra points. This extended the Briton's championship lead over Verstappen to a dozen points ahead of the season finale in Abu Dhabi.

In its official communication, Red Bull clarified: "Comments voiced implying that Mercedes driver had deliberately allowed Lando Norris to overtake are clearly incorrect. Replay footage shows Antonelli briefly losing control of his car, thereby enabling Norris to get by. We sincerely regret that this has led to Kimi receiving online abuse."

The team's statement stopped short of a direct apology for the original claim. However, reports indicate that Lambiase later said sorry to Mercedes team principal after being shown video evidence of the incident.

"This is complete and utter rubbish. That blows my mind even to hear that," stated Wolff. "We are fighting for P2 in the team standings... How foolish 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 spoke over the radio. The team noted a "1,100% increase" in abusive messages targeting Antonelli following the Grand Prix.

For his part, Antonelli explained the racing incident as a error. He commented he was driving aggressively to close on Carlos Sainz and experienced a "big snap" that caused him to run wide and lose the position.

"It proved really hard with the dirty air and the tyres were overheating," the driver stated. "A shame 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 received death threats in the aftermath of those comments.
• The disputed comment involved an on-track pass that impacted the title battle.
• Video evidence show Antonelli made a mistake, contradicting the implication of deliberate action.
• The individual in question has expressed regret to Mercedes management.