Red Bull Voices Regret Over Remarks Linked to Online Abuse Targeting Driver Kimi Antonelli
The Red Bull racing outfit has issued a statement expressing its sincere regret for post-race remarks that preceded a torrent of online abuse, including vile threats, directed at Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli.
Antonelli reportedly switched his social media picture to a blank image on Monday, a response to the abusive comments that appeared on his accounts. Mercedes confirmed that a number of these communications included direct threats against the driver's life.
The controversy stems from team radio during the final laps of the recent race. Red Bull engineer Gianpiero Lambiase suggested over the air that it "looked like" Antonelli had "just pulled over" to let McLaren's Lando Norris through.
This incident proved significant for the championship battle, as Norris's pass earned him two additional 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 clarified: "Comments made implying that Mercedes driver had deliberately allowed Lando Norris past are clearly incorrect. Video evidence demonstrates Antonelli momentarily losing control of his car, thus enabling Norris to get by. We sincerely regret that this has led to Kimi receiving online abuse."
The team's announcement stopped short of a direct apology for the initial accusation. However, reports indicate that Lambiase later apologised to Mercedes team principal after being shown footage of the incident.
"This is total, utter nonsense. That astounds me even to hear that," stated Wolff. "We are battling for P2 in the team standings... How foolish can you be to even suggest something like this?"
Wolff explained that he had cleared the air with Lambiase, who claimed he did not witness the moment when he made the comment. The team reported a "1,100% increase" in abusive messages targeting Antonelli after the race.
For his part, Antonelli described the racing incident as a error. He commented he was driving aggressively to close on the Williams ahead and had a "big snap" that caused him to run wide and lose the position.
"It proved really hard with the dirty air and the high tyre temperatures," the driver stated. "A shame to lose the place because it would have been additional points."
Main Takeaways from the Incident
- Red Bull has voiced remorse for comments made by a team member.
- Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli received death threats in the aftermath of those comments.
- The controversial remark involved an overtaking move that affected the championship standings.
- Video replays show Antonelli made a mistake, debunking the implication of team orders.
- The engineer involved has expressed regret to Mercedes team leadership.
