The Red Bull team Expresses Remorse Over Comments Linked to Online Abuse Targeting Mercedes Star Kimi Antonelli

The Red Bull Formula 1 team has released a comment expressing its deep remorse for post-race remarks that preceded widespread social media vitriol, including death threats, directed at young talent Kimi Antonelli.

Antonelli was said to have switched his Instagram profile to a blank image on Monday, a reaction to the abusive comments that appeared on his accounts. Mercedes confirmed that a number of these messages included direct threats against the youngster's life.

The controversy stems from team radio during the closing stages of the recent race. Max Verstappen's race engineer remarked over the air that it "appeared as if" Antonelli had "deliberately moved aside" to let rival driver Lando Norris to pass.

This occurrence proved significant for the title fight, as Norris's pass earned him extra points. This extended the Briton's championship lead over Verstappen to 12 points ahead of the final race in Abu Dhabi.

In its official communication, Red Bull clarified: "Comments voiced suggesting that Mercedes driver had deliberately allowed Lando Norris to overtake are clearly incorrect. Replay footage shows Antonelli momentarily losing control of his car, thus enabling Norris to pass him. We sincerely regret that this has led to Kimi being subjected to such abuse."

The team's announcement did not include a formal apology for the original claim. However, sources indicate that Lambiase later apologised to Toto Wolff after reviewing footage of the on-track moment.

"This is complete and utter rubbish. That astounds me even to hear that," stated Wolff. "We are fighting for P2 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 abusive messages targeting Antonelli following the race.

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

"It was really hard with the turbulence and the tyres were overheating," the driver stated. "It's disappointing to lose the place because it would have been two more points."

Key Points from the Incident

• Red Bull has voiced remorse 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 involved an on-track pass that impacted the championship standings.
• Video replays confirm Antonelli made a mistake, contradicting the implication of team orders.
• The individual in question has expressed regret to Mercedes team leadership.