Red Bull Expresses Remorse Over Comments Linked to Death Threats Against Mercedes Star Kimi Antonelli

The Red Bull racing outfit has released a comment stating its sincere regret for comments made that preceded widespread social media vitriol, including vile threats, directed at young talent Kimi Antonelli.

Antonelli was said to have changed his social media picture to a blank image on Monday, a response to the hurtful messages that appeared on his accounts. Mercedes confirmed that several of these communications included threats against the youngster's life.

The controversy stems from team radio during the closing stages 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 to pass.

This incident proved significant for the championship battle, as Norris's pass secured 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 asserted: "Observations made implying that Kimi Antonelli had deliberately allowed Lando Norris to overtake are factually wrong. Replay footage shows Antonelli briefly 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 announcement did not include a formal apology for the initial accusation. However, sources indicate that Lambiase subsequently said sorry to Toto Wolff after reviewing video evidence of the on-track moment.

"This is complete and utter rubbish. That blows my mind even to hear that," stated Wolff. "We are battling for P2 in the constructors' championship... 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 spoke over the radio. The team noted a "1,100% increase" in negative traffic targeting Antonelli after the race.

For his part, Antonelli described the moment as a error. He commented he was pushing hard to catch Carlos Sainz and had a "massive moment" that led him to run wide and surrender fourth place.

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

Key Points from the Situation

• Red Bull has voiced remorse for comments made by a team member.
• Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli received severe online abuse in the aftermath of those comments.
• The disputed comment centered on an on-track pass that impacted the championship standings.
• Video replays show Antonelli made a mistake, contradicting the suggestion of deliberate action.
• The engineer involved has expressed regret to Mercedes management.