Red Bull Expresses Remorse Over Remarks Following Death Threats Targeting Mercedes Star Kimi Antonelli

The Red Bull Formula 1 team has issued a statement stating its deep remorse for comments made that were followed by widespread social media vitriol, including vile threats, directed at Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli.

Antonelli reportedly changed his Instagram profile to a solid black image on Monday, a response to the hurtful messages that flooded his accounts. His team confirmed that several of these communications constituted 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 allow rival driver Lando Norris through.

This occurrence proved significant for the title fight, as Norris's pass earned him two additional points. This extended the McLaren driver's points advantage over Verstappen to a dozen points ahead of the season finale in Abu Dhabi.

In its official communication, Red Bull clarified: "Comments made suggesting that Kimi Antonelli had deliberately allowed Lando Norris past are factually wrong. Video evidence shows Antonelli briefly losing control of his car, thus enabling Norris to get by. We sincerely regret that this has resulted in Kimi receiving such abuse."

The team's statement stopped short of a direct apology for the initial accusation. However, reports indicate that Lambiase subsequently apologised to Toto Wolff after reviewing footage of the incident.

"This is complete and utter rubbish. That blows my mind even to hear that," said Wolff. "We are battling for P2 in the constructors' championship... How foolish can you be to even suggest something like this?"

Wolff added that he had spoken with Lambiase, who stated he had not seen the moment when he spoke over the radio. Mercedes reported a "massive surge" in negative traffic targeting Antonelli after the Grand Prix.

For his part, Antonelli described the racing incident as a error. He said he was pushing hard to close on the Williams ahead and had a "big snap" that caused him to go off track and surrender fourth place.

"It proved really hard with the dirty air and the high tyre temperatures," the driver stated. "It's disappointing to lose the place because it would have been two more points."

Main Takeaways from the Incident

• Red Bull has expressed regret for comments made by a staff member.
• Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli received severe online abuse in the wake of those comments.
• The controversial remark centered on an on-track pass that affected the championship standings.
• Video replays confirm Antonelli lost control, contradicting the suggestion of team orders.
• The engineer involved has expressed regret to Mercedes team leadership.