The Red Bull team Expresses Regret Over Remarks Linked to Online Abuse Targeting Mercedes Star Kimi Antonelli

The Red Bull Formula 1 team has issued a statement stating its deep remorse for comments made that were followed by a torrent of online abuse, including death threats, directed at young talent Kimi Antonelli.

Antonelli reportedly changed his Instagram profile to a solid black image on Monday, a reaction to the hurtful messages that flooded his accounts. Mercedes confirmed that several of these communications constituted threats against the driver's life.

The situation originated with radio communications during the final laps of the recent race. Red Bull engineer Gianpiero Lambiase remarked over the air that it "looked like" Antonelli had "deliberately moved aside" to allow McLaren's Lando Norris through.

This incident proved significant for the title fight, as the overtake earned him two additional points. This increased the Briton's points advantage over Verstappen to 12 points ahead of the final race in Abu Dhabi.

In its statement, Red Bull asserted: "Comments made suggesting that Kimi Antonelli had intentionally let Lando Norris to overtake are clearly incorrect. Replay footage shows Antonelli momentarily losing control of his car, thereby enabling Norris to get by. We deeply regret that this has led to Kimi being subjected to such abuse."

The team's statement did not include a direct apology for the initial accusation. However, sources indicate that Lambiase subsequently said sorry to Toto Wolff after reviewing footage of the on-track moment.

"This is complete and utter rubbish. That blows my mind even to hear that," said Wolff. "We are battling for P2 in the team standings... How brainless can you be to even say something like this?"

Wolff explained that he had cleared the air with Lambiase, who stated he had not seen the actual incident when he spoke over the radio. The team reported a "1,100% increase" in negative traffic targeting Antonelli after the race.

For his part, Antonelli described the racing incident as a simple mistake. He commented he was pushing hard to catch the Williams ahead and experienced a "massive moment" that caused him to run wide and lose the position.

"It was really hard with the turbulence and the high tyre temperatures," the driver stated. "It's disappointing to lose the place because it would have been additional points."

Key Points from the Situation

• Red Bull has expressed regret for radio remarks made by a staff member.
• Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli received severe online abuse in the wake of those comments.
• The disputed comment centered on an on-track pass that affected the championship standings.
• Video evidence show Antonelli lost control, debunking the suggestion of deliberate action.
• The individual in question has expressed regret to Mercedes team leadership.