Red Bull Voices Remorse Regarding Remarks Linked to Death Threats Against Driver Kimi Antonelli

The Red Bull Formula 1 team has released a comment expressing its deep remorse for comments made that were followed by a torrent of social media vitriol, including vile threats, directed at Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli.

Antonelli reportedly changed his social media picture to a solid black image on Monday, a reaction to the abusive comments that appeared on his accounts. Mercedes confirmed that several of these communications constituted threats against the youngster's life.

The situation stems from radio communications during the closing stages of the recent race. Red Bull engineer Gianpiero Lambiase remarked 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 championship battle, as Norris's pass earned him two additional points. This extended the McLaren driver's points advantage over Verstappen to 12 points heading into the final race in Abu Dhabi.

In its official communication, Red Bull asserted: "Observations voiced suggesting that Kimi Antonelli had deliberately allowed Lando Norris to overtake are clearly incorrect. Replay footage shows Antonelli momentarily losing control of his car, thereby allowing Norris to get by. We sincerely regret that this has led to Kimi receiving online abuse."

The team's statement stopped short of a direct apology for the initial accusation. However, sources indicate that Lambiase later apologised 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," stated Wolff. "We are fighting for P2 in the team standings... How brainless can you be to even say something like this?"

Wolff added that he had cleared the air with Lambiase, who stated he had not seen the actual incident when he made the comment. Mercedes reported a "1,100% increase" in abusive messages targeting Antonelli after the Grand Prix.

For his part, Antonelli explained the moment as a error. He commented he was pushing hard to catch the Williams ahead and had a "massive moment" that led him to go off track and surrender fourth place.

"It was really hard with the turbulence and the high tyre temperatures," the driver stated. "A shame to lose the place because it would have been two more points."

Main Takeaways from the Incident

• Red Bull has voiced remorse for radio remarks made by a staff member.
• Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli received death threats in the wake of those comments.
• The disputed comment involved an overtaking move that impacted the title battle.
• Video evidence confirm Antonelli made a mistake, contradicting the implication of team orders.
• The individual in question has apologised to Mercedes management.