Red Bull Voices Regret Over Remarks Linked to Death Threats Targeting Driver Kimi Antonelli
The Red Bull Formula 1 team has issued a statement expressing its deep remorse for comments made that preceded widespread social media vitriol, including death threats, directed at young talent Kimi Antonelli.
Antonelli was said to have changed his social media picture to a solid black image on Monday, a response to the abusive comments that flooded his accounts. Mercedes stated that a number of these messages constituted direct threats against the youngster's life.
The controversy stems from radio communications during the final laps of the recent race. Red Bull engineer Gianpiero Lambiase remarked over the air that it "looked like" Antonelli had "deliberately moved aside" to let McLaren's Lando Norris through.
This incident proved significant for the title fight, as Norris's pass earned him extra points. This increased the Briton's points advantage over Verstappen to a dozen points heading into the season finale in Abu Dhabi.
In its statement, Red Bull asserted: "Comments made suggesting that Kimi Antonelli had intentionally let Lando Norris past are clearly incorrect. Video evidence shows Antonelli briefly losing control of his car, thereby allowing Norris to get by. We deeply regret that this has led to Kimi receiving online abuse."
The team's statement stopped short of a formal apology for the original claim. However, sources indicate that Lambiase subsequently said sorry to Mercedes team principal after reviewing video evidence of the on-track moment.
"This is total, utter nonsense. That blows my mind even to hear that," stated Wolff. "We are fighting for P2 in the team standings... How brainless can you be to even suggest something like this?"
Wolff explained that he had cleared the air with Lambiase, who stated he had not seen the moment when he spoke over the radio. Mercedes noted a "1,100% increase" in abusive messages targeting Antonelli following the Grand Prix.
For his part, Antonelli explained the moment as a error. He said he was pushing hard to close on the Williams ahead and had a "massive moment" that caused him to go off track and surrender fourth place.
"It was really hard with the turbulence and the tyres were overheating," the driver stated. "A shame to lose the place because it would have been additional points."
Key Points from the Situation
- Red Bull has expressed regret for comments made by a staff member.
- Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli was targeted by death threats in the wake of those comments.
- The disputed comment centered on an on-track pass that impacted the title battle.
- Video evidence confirm Antonelli made a mistake, contradicting the suggestion of team orders.
- The engineer involved has apologised to Mercedes team leadership.
