Red Bull Expresses Regret Regarding Comments Following Online Abuse Targeting Driver Kimi Antonelli

The Red Bull Formula 1 team has released a comment expressing its deep remorse for post-race remarks that were followed by widespread social media vitriol, including vile threats, directed at Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli.

Antonelli was said to have switched his Instagram profile to a blank image on Monday, a reaction to the hurtful messages that flooded his accounts. Mercedes confirmed that a number of these messages included direct threats against the youngster's life.

The situation stems from radio communications during the final laps of the Qatar Grand Prix. Max Verstappen's race engineer suggested over the air that it "appeared as if" Antonelli had "just pulled over" to allow rival driver Lando Norris through.

This incident proved crucial for the title fight, as Norris's pass earned him two additional points. This increased the Briton's championship lead over Verstappen to a dozen points ahead of the season finale in Abu Dhabi.

In its official communication, Red Bull asserted: "Observations voiced implying that Mercedes driver had deliberately allowed Lando Norris to overtake are factually wrong. Video evidence demonstrates Antonelli briefly losing control of his car, thereby allowing Norris to get by. We sincerely regret that this has resulted in Kimi being subjected to such abuse."

The team's announcement stopped short of a formal apology for the initial accusation. However, reports indicate that Lambiase later apologised to Toto Wolff after being shown footage of the on-track moment.

"This is complete and utter rubbish. That astounds me even to hear that," stated Wolff. "We are fighting for second place in the constructors' championship... How brainless can you be to even suggest something like this?"

Wolff explained that he had cleared the air with Lambiase, who claimed he had not seen the moment when he made the comment. The team noted a "massive surge" in negative traffic targeting Antonelli after the Grand Prix.

For his part, Antonelli explained the racing incident as a simple mistake. He said he was pushing hard to catch the Williams ahead and experienced a "big snap" that led 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 Incident

• Red Bull has voiced remorse for radio remarks made by a team member.
• Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli was targeted by severe online abuse in the wake of those comments.
• The controversial remark centered on an on-track pass that affected the title battle.
• Video evidence confirm Antonelli lost control, contradicting the implication of deliberate action.
• The engineer involved has expressed regret to Mercedes team leadership.