The Red Bull team Voices Remorse Regarding Comments Following Death Threats Against Mercedes Star Kimi Antonelli
The Red Bull Formula 1 team has issued a statement expressing its deep remorse for post-race remarks that preceded widespread social media vitriol, including vile threats, directed at Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli.
Antonelli was said to have switched his Instagram profile to a solid black image on Monday, a response to the hurtful messages that appeared on his accounts. His team confirmed that a number of these communications included direct threats against the driver's life.
The controversy stems from team radio during the closing stages of the recent race. Red Bull engineer Gianpiero Lambiase remarked over the air that it "appeared as if" Antonelli had "just pulled over" to let rival driver Lando Norris to pass.
This incident proved crucial for the championship battle, as Norris's pass earned him extra points. This extended the Briton's championship lead over Verstappen to 12 points heading into the season finale in Abu Dhabi.
In its official communication, Red Bull asserted: "Observations made implying that Kimi Antonelli had intentionally let Lando Norris past are clearly incorrect. Replay footage demonstrates Antonelli briefly losing control of his car, thereby enabling Norris to pass him. We sincerely regret that this has resulted in Kimi receiving online abuse."
The team's announcement did not include a direct apology for the initial accusation. However, reports indicate that Lambiase later said sorry to Toto Wolff after reviewing footage of the incident.
"This is complete and utter rubbish. That blows my mind even to hear that," stated Wolff. "We are battling for second place in the team standings... How brainless can you be to even suggest something like this?"
Wolff added that he had cleared the air with Lambiase, who claimed he did not witness the actual incident when he made the comment. Mercedes noted a "massive surge" in abusive messages targeting Antonelli after the race.
For his part, Antonelli explained the moment as a error. He said he was driving aggressively to close on the Williams ahead and had a "massive moment" that led him to go off track and surrender fourth place.
"It was really hard with the dirty air and the tyres were overheating," the driver stated. "A shame to lose the place because it would have been two more points."
Key Points 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 wake of those comments.
- The disputed comment involved an overtaking move that impacted the championship standings.
- Video evidence confirm Antonelli lost control, debunking the suggestion of deliberate action.
- The engineer involved has apologised to Mercedes management.
