Red Bull Expresses Remorse Regarding Remarks Linked to Death Threats Against Driver Kimi Antonelli
The Red Bull Formula 1 team has released a comment stating its sincere regret for post-race remarks that were followed by a torrent of online abuse, including death threats, directed at young talent Kimi Antonelli.
Antonelli reportedly switched his Instagram profile to a blank image on Monday, a response to the hurtful messages that appeared on his accounts. Mercedes confirmed that several of these messages included threats against the driver's life.
The situation originated with team radio during the closing stages of the recent race. Red Bull engineer Gianpiero Lambiase remarked over the air that it "looked like" Antonelli had "just pulled over" to allow McLaren's Lando Norris to pass.
This occurrence proved crucial for the title fight, as the overtake earned him two additional points. This extended the McLaren driver's points advantage over Verstappen to a dozen points heading into the season finale in Abu Dhabi.
In its official communication, Red Bull asserted: "Comments made implying that Kimi Antonelli had deliberately allowed Lando Norris to overtake are factually wrong. Replay footage demonstrates Antonelli briefly losing control of his car, thereby allowing Norris to get by. We deeply regret that this has led to Kimi being subjected to such abuse."
The team's statement did not include a formal apology for the initial accusation. However, sources indicate that Lambiase subsequently apologised to Mercedes team principal after being shown video evidence of the incident.
"This is total, utter nonsense. That astounds me 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 cleared the air with Lambiase, who stated he did not witness the actual incident when he made the comment. Mercedes reported a "massive surge" in abusive messages targeting Antonelli after the Grand Prix.
For his part, Antonelli explained the racing incident as a simple mistake. He said he was driving aggressively to close on Carlos Sainz and experienced a "massive moment" that led him to go off track and lose the position.
"It was really hard with the turbulence and the tyres were overheating," Antonelli remarked. "It's disappointing to lose the place because it would have been two more points."
Main Takeaways from the Situation
- Red Bull has voiced remorse for radio remarks made by a staff member.
- Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli received death threats in the aftermath of those comments.
- The controversial remark involved an overtaking move that impacted the title battle.
- Video evidence show Antonelli made a mistake, contradicting the implication of deliberate action.
- The individual in question has apologised to Mercedes team leadership.
