The Red Bull team Expresses Regret Regarding Comments Following Death Threats Targeting Driver 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 death threats, directed at Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli.
Antonelli was said to have switched his Instagram profile to a blank image on Monday, a response to the abusive comments that appeared on his accounts. Mercedes confirmed that a number of these messages included threats against the driver's life.
The controversy originated with radio communications during the closing stages of the recent race. Max Verstappen's race engineer remarked over the air that it "appeared as if" Antonelli had "just pulled over" to let rival driver Lando Norris to pass.
This occurrence proved significant for the title fight, as Norris's pass secured two additional points. This extended the Briton's championship lead over Verstappen to 12 points heading into the final race in Abu Dhabi.
In its official communication, Red Bull clarified: "Comments made implying that Mercedes driver had intentionally let Lando Norris past are clearly incorrect. Replay footage demonstrates Antonelli momentarily losing control of his car, thus allowing Norris to pass him. We deeply regret that this has resulted in Kimi receiving such abuse."
The team's announcement stopped short of a formal apology for the initial accusation. However, reports indicate that Lambiase later said sorry to Toto Wolff after being shown footage of the on-track moment.
"This is complete and utter rubbish. That astounds me even to hear that," said Wolff. "We are fighting for P2 in the constructors' championship... How foolish 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 spoke over the radio. Mercedes reported a "massive surge" in negative traffic targeting Antonelli after the race.
For his part, Antonelli explained the racing incident as a error. He commented he was pushing hard to catch the Williams ahead and experienced a "big snap" that caused him to run wide and lose the position.
"It was really hard with the dirty air and the high tyre temperatures," Antonelli remarked. "It's disappointing to lose the place because it would have been two more points."
Main Takeaways from the Situation
- Red Bull has voiced remorse for radio remarks made by a staff member.
- Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli was targeted by death threats in the aftermath of those comments.
- The disputed comment involved an overtaking move that impacted the title battle.
- Video replays confirm Antonelli made a mistake, contradicting the suggestion of team orders.
- The individual in question has apologised to Mercedes management.