The Red Bull team Expresses Regret Over Remarks Following Online Abuse Against Mercedes Star Kimi Antonelli
The Red Bull racing outfit has issued a statement expressing its sincere regret for post-race remarks that were followed by a torrent of social media vitriol, including vile threats, directed at young talent Kimi Antonelli.
Antonelli was said to have switched his social media picture to a blank image on Monday, a reaction to the abusive comments that appeared on his accounts. His team confirmed that a number of these messages constituted direct threats against the driver's life.
The situation originated with radio communications during the final laps of the recent race. Max Verstappen's race engineer suggested over the air that it "appeared as if" Antonelli had "deliberately moved aside" to allow rival driver Lando Norris through.
This incident proved significant for the title fight, as Norris's pass secured two additional points. This increased the Briton's championship lead over Verstappen to 12 points heading into the final race 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 shows Antonelli momentarily losing control of his car, thus enabling Norris to get by. We deeply regret that this has resulted in Kimi receiving online abuse."
The team's statement did not include a direct apology for the initial accusation. However, sources indicate that Lambiase subsequently apologised to Mercedes team principal after being shown footage of the incident.
"This is complete and utter rubbish. That blows my mind even to hear that," stated Wolff. "We are fighting for second place in the team standings... How brainless 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 actual incident when he spoke over the radio. Mercedes noted a "massive surge" in abusive messages targeting Antonelli following the race.
For his part, Antonelli explained the racing incident as a simple mistake. He said he was driving aggressively to close on the Williams ahead and had a "massive moment" that led him to run wide and surrender fourth place.
"It was really hard with the dirty air and the tyres were overheating," Antonelli remarked. "A shame to lose the place because it would have been two more points."
Key Points from the Incident
- Red Bull has expressed regret for radio remarks made by a staff member.
- Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli was targeted by severe online abuse in the aftermath of those comments.
- The controversial remark involved an overtaking move that affected the title battle.
- Video replays show Antonelli lost control, debunking the implication of team orders.
- The engineer involved has apologised to Mercedes team leadership.
