Red Bull Expresses Regret Regarding Remarks Linked to Death Threats Targeting Driver Kimi Antonelli

The Red Bull racing outfit has issued a statement stating its sincere regret for comments made that were followed by a torrent of 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 reaction to the hurtful messages that appeared on his accounts. Mercedes stated that several of these communications constituted threats against the driver'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 to pass.

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

In its official communication, Red Bull clarified: "Observations made suggesting that Kimi Antonelli had deliberately allowed Lando Norris to overtake are clearly incorrect. Replay footage demonstrates Antonelli momentarily losing control of his car, thereby allowing Norris to pass him. We sincerely 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 subsequently apologised 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," said Wolff. "We are battling for second place in the team standings... How foolish can you be to even say something like this?"

Wolff explained that he had spoken with Lambiase, who stated he did not witness the actual incident when he made the comment. The team noted a "1,100% increase" in negative traffic targeting Antonelli after the Grand Prix.

For his part, Antonelli described the moment as a simple mistake. He commented he was driving aggressively to catch the Williams ahead and experienced a "massive moment" that caused him to run wide and surrender fourth place.

"It was really hard with the turbulence and the high tyre temperatures," Antonelli remarked. "A shame 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 team member.
• Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli received severe online abuse in the aftermath of those comments.
• The disputed comment centered on an overtaking move that affected the title battle.
• Video replays show Antonelli lost control, debunking the implication of deliberate action.
• The engineer involved has apologised to Mercedes team leadership.