Red Bull Expresses Regret Regarding Comments Linked to Online Abuse Against Driver Kimi Antonelli

The Red Bull racing outfit has released a comment expressing its sincere regret for comments made that preceded widespread social media vitriol, including death threats, directed at young talent Kimi Antonelli.

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

The controversy originated with radio communications during the closing stages of the recent race. Red Bull engineer Gianpiero Lambiase suggested over the air that it "appeared as if" Antonelli had "just pulled over" to allow rival driver Lando Norris through.

This incident proved crucial for the championship battle, as the overtake earned him two additional points. This increased the Briton's championship lead over Verstappen to 12 points ahead of the final race in Abu Dhabi.

In its official communication, Red Bull asserted: "Comments made implying that Mercedes driver had intentionally let Lando Norris past are clearly incorrect. Video evidence shows Antonelli momentarily losing control of his car, thus enabling Norris to pass him. We deeply regret that this has led to Kimi being subjected to online abuse."

The team's statement did not include a formal apology for the initial accusation. However, sources indicate that Lambiase later said sorry to Mercedes team principal after being shown footage of the incident.

"This is complete and utter rubbish. That blows my mind even to hear that," said Wolff. "We are fighting for P2 in the team standings... How brainless can you be to even say something like this?"

Wolff explained that he had spoken with Lambiase, who stated he did not witness the moment when he made the comment. Mercedes noted a "massive surge" in negative traffic targeting Antonelli after the Grand Prix.

For his part, Antonelli explained the moment as a error. He commented he was driving aggressively to catch the Williams ahead and had a "big snap" that led him to run wide and lose the position.

"It was 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."

Key Points from the Incident

• Red Bull has expressed regret for comments made by a team member.
• Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli was targeted by severe online abuse in the aftermath of those comments.
• The disputed comment involved an overtaking move that affected the title battle.
• Video evidence show Antonelli made a mistake, contradicting the suggestion of team orders.
• The engineer involved has expressed regret to Mercedes team leadership.