The Red Bull team Expresses Remorse Over Comments Linked to Online Abuse Against Mercedes Star Kimi Antonelli
The Red Bull racing outfit has released a comment expressing its deep remorse for comments made that preceded widespread online abuse, including vile 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 flooded his accounts. His team confirmed that a number of these messages constituted direct threats against the driver's life.
The controversy originated with team radio during the closing stages of the Qatar Grand Prix. Max Verstappen's race engineer suggested over the air that it "appeared as if" Antonelli had "just pulled over" to let rival driver Lando Norris to pass.
This incident proved significant for the championship battle, as Norris's pass secured extra points. This increased the Briton's points advantage over Verstappen to a dozen points ahead of the final race in Abu Dhabi.
In its statement, Red Bull clarified: "Observations made implying that Mercedes driver had deliberately allowed Lando Norris past are factually wrong. Replay footage demonstrates Antonelli momentarily losing control of his car, thus enabling Norris to pass him. We sincerely regret that this has resulted in Kimi receiving online abuse."
The team's statement stopped short of a formal apology for the initial accusation. However, reports indicate that Lambiase subsequently said sorry to Toto Wolff after reviewing video evidence of the on-track moment.
"This is complete and utter rubbish. That blows my mind even to hear that," said Wolff. "We are battling for second place in the constructors' championship... How foolish can you be to even say something like this?"
Wolff explained that he had spoken with Lambiase, who stated he had not seen the moment when he made the comment. Mercedes noted a "1,100% increase" 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 pushing hard to close on Carlos Sainz and experienced a "massive moment" that led him to run wide and lose the position.
"It was really hard with the turbulence and the tyres were overheating," the driver stated. "A shame to lose the place because it would have been two more points."
Main Takeaways from the Incident
- Red Bull has expressed regret for radio remarks made by a staff member.
- Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli received severe online abuse in the aftermath of those comments.
- The controversial remark involved an overtaking move that impacted the championship standings.
- Video evidence confirm Antonelli lost control, contradicting the suggestion of team orders.
- The individual in question has apologised to Mercedes management.
