Red Bull Voices Remorse Regarding Comments Linked to Death Threats 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 vile threats, directed at Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli.

Antonelli was said to have switched his social media picture 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 threats against the driver's life.

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

This incident proved significant for the championship battle, as the overtake secured extra points. This increased the McLaren driver's championship lead over Verstappen to a dozen points heading into the season finale in Abu Dhabi.

In its statement, Red Bull asserted: "Observations made suggesting that Mercedes driver had intentionally let Lando Norris to overtake are factually wrong. Video evidence shows Antonelli momentarily losing control of his car, thereby enabling Norris to pass him. We deeply regret that this has resulted in Kimi being subjected to such abuse."

The team's announcement did not include a direct apology for the original claim. However, reports indicate that Lambiase later apologised to Mercedes team principal after reviewing footage of the incident.

"This is complete and utter rubbish. That blows my mind even to hear that," stated Wolff. "We are battling for second place in the constructors' championship... How foolish can you be to even suggest something like this?"

Wolff explained that he had cleared the air with Lambiase, who claimed he had not seen the actual incident when he made the comment. Mercedes noted a "massive surge" in abusive messages targeting Antonelli after the race.

For his part, Antonelli described the moment as a error. He commented he was driving aggressively to close on Carlos Sainz and had a "massive moment" that led him to go off track and lose the position.

"It was really hard with the turbulence and the high tyre temperatures," the driver stated. "It's disappointing to lose the place because it would have been additional points."

Key Points from the Situation

• Red Bull has voiced remorse for radio remarks made by a staff member.
• Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli was targeted by death threats in the aftermath of those comments.
• The disputed comment involved an overtaking move that impacted the championship standings.
• Video evidence confirm Antonelli lost control, contradicting the suggestion of team orders.
• The engineer involved has expressed regret to Mercedes management.