Red Bull Voices Remorse Over Remarks Following Death Threats Against Driver Kimi Antonelli
The Red Bull Formula 1 team has issued a statement stating its deep remorse for comments made that preceded widespread social media vitriol, 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 appeared on his accounts. Mercedes confirmed that several of these messages included threats against the youngster's life.
The situation stems from team radio during the final laps of the recent race. Red Bull engineer Gianpiero Lambiase remarked over the air that it "appeared as if" Antonelli had "just pulled over" to allow rival driver Lando Norris to pass.
This occurrence proved crucial for the title fight, as Norris's pass earned him extra points. This extended the Briton's points advantage over Verstappen to a dozen points heading into the season finale in Abu Dhabi.
In its statement, Red Bull asserted: "Observations voiced suggesting that Mercedes driver had deliberately allowed Lando Norris past are factually wrong. Video evidence demonstrates Antonelli briefly losing control of his car, thereby enabling Norris to pass him. We sincerely regret that this has led to Kimi being subjected to such abuse."
The team's statement did not include a direct apology for the original claim. However, reports 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," said Wolff. "We are fighting for second place in the team standings... How foolish can you be to even say something like this?"
Wolff added that he had spoken with Lambiase, who stated he had not seen the actual incident when he spoke over the radio. Mercedes reported a "1,100% increase" in abusive messages targeting Antonelli following the Grand Prix.
For his part, Antonelli described the racing incident as a simple mistake. He commented he was pushing hard to close on Carlos Sainz and experienced a "massive moment" that caused him to run wide and surrender fourth place.
"It proved 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 additional points."
Key Points from the Situation
- Red Bull has voiced remorse for comments made by a staff member.
- Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli received death threats in the aftermath of those comments.
- The disputed comment involved an on-track pass that impacted the title battle.
- Video evidence show Antonelli lost control, contradicting the implication of deliberate action.
- The individual in question has expressed regret to Mercedes team leadership.
