The Red Bull team Voices Regret Regarding Comments Linked to Online Abuse Against Mercedes Star Kimi Antonelli

The Red Bull Formula 1 team has issued a statement stating 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 switched his Instagram profile to a blank image on Monday, a response to the hurtful messages that flooded his accounts. His team confirmed that several of these communications included direct threats against the driver's life.

The controversy stems from radio communications during the closing stages of the Qatar Grand Prix. Red Bull engineer Gianpiero Lambiase remarked over the air that it "looked like" Antonelli had "just pulled over" to let rival driver Lando Norris through.

This occurrence proved significant for the championship battle, as the overtake secured two additional points. This increased the Briton's championship lead over Verstappen to 12 points heading into the season finale in Abu Dhabi.

In its statement, Red Bull asserted: "Observations made suggesting that Kimi Antonelli had intentionally let Lando Norris to overtake are clearly incorrect. Video evidence demonstrates Antonelli briefly losing control of his car, thus enabling Norris to pass him. We deeply regret that this has led to Kimi being subjected to such abuse."

The team's announcement stopped short of a direct apology for the original claim. However, sources indicate that Lambiase later apologised to Toto Wolff after reviewing footage of the on-track moment.

"This is complete and utter rubbish. That blows my mind even to hear that," said Wolff. "We are battling 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 actual incident when he spoke over the radio. Mercedes noted a "massive surge" in negative traffic targeting Antonelli following the Grand Prix.

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

"It proved 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."

Key Points from the Situation

• Red Bull has expressed regret for comments made by a staff member.
• Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli received death threats in the wake of those comments.
• The disputed comment involved an on-track pass that impacted the championship standings.
• Video replays show Antonelli made a mistake, contradicting the suggestion of deliberate action.
• The engineer involved has expressed regret to Mercedes management.