Red Bull Expresses Regret Regarding Remarks Linked to Online Abuse Targeting Mercedes Star Kimi Antonelli

The Red Bull Formula 1 team has released a comment expressing its deep remorse for comments made that preceded a torrent of social media vitriol, including vile threats, directed at Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli.

Antonelli reportedly changed his Instagram profile to a blank image on Monday, a response to the abusive comments that appeared on his accounts. Mercedes stated that several of these communications included threats against the driver's life.

The situation stems from team radio during the final laps of the recent race. Max Verstappen's race engineer suggested over the air that it "appeared as if" Antonelli had "just pulled over" to let McLaren's Lando Norris to pass.

This occurrence 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 a dozen points heading into the season finale in Abu Dhabi.

In its statement, Red Bull clarified: "Comments voiced suggesting that Kimi Antonelli had deliberately allowed Lando Norris to overtake are factually wrong. Replay footage shows Antonelli momentarily losing control of his car, thus allowing 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 later apologised to Mercedes team principal after reviewing footage of the on-track moment.

"This is total, utter nonsense. That blows my mind even to hear that," said Wolff. "We are fighting for second place in the team standings... How brainless can you be to even say something like this?"

Wolff added that he had cleared the air with Lambiase, who claimed he did not witness the moment when he made the comment. Mercedes reported a "massive surge" in negative traffic targeting Antonelli after the race.

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

"It proved really hard with the turbulence and the high tyre temperatures," the driver stated. "A shame to lose the place because it would have been additional points."

Key Points from the Incident

• Red Bull has expressed regret for comments made by a staff member.
• Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli received death threats in the wake of those comments.
• The controversial remark centered on an overtaking move that impacted the title battle.
• Video replays show Antonelli lost control, contradicting the implication of deliberate action.
• The individual in question has expressed regret to Mercedes management.