Red Bull Expresses Remorse Over Comments Following Online Abuse Targeting Driver Kimi Antonelli
The Red Bull racing outfit has issued a statement expressing its sincere regret for post-race remarks that preceded widespread online abuse, including vile threats, directed at Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli.
Antonelli reportedly switched his Instagram profile to a solid black image on Monday, a response to the hurtful messages that flooded his accounts. Mercedes stated that several of these communications constituted threats against the youngster's life.
The situation stems from radio communications during the final laps of the Qatar Grand Prix. Red Bull engineer Gianpiero Lambiase suggested over the air that it "appeared as if" Antonelli had "deliberately moved aside" to allow rival driver Lando Norris to pass.
This incident proved significant for the title fight, as the overtake secured 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 statement, Red Bull asserted: "Observations made suggesting that Kimi Antonelli had deliberately allowed Lando Norris to overtake are factually wrong. Replay footage shows Antonelli briefly losing control of his car, thus allowing Norris to pass him. We sincerely regret that this has led to Kimi being subjected to such abuse."
The team's statement stopped short of a direct apology for the initial accusation. However, reports indicate that Lambiase subsequently said sorry to Mercedes team principal after reviewing footage of the on-track moment.
"This is total, utter nonsense. That astounds me even to hear that," stated Wolff. "We are battling for P2 in the constructors' championship... How foolish 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 made the comment. Mercedes noted a "1,100% increase" in abusive messages targeting Antonelli after the Grand Prix.
For his part, Antonelli described the racing incident as a error. He commented he was pushing hard to catch Carlos Sainz and had a "big snap" that caused him to run wide and surrender fourth place.
"It proved really hard with the turbulence and the tyres were overheating," Antonelli remarked. "It's disappointing to lose the place because it would have been two more points."
Key Points from the Incident
- Red Bull has voiced remorse for comments made by a staff member.
- Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli received severe online abuse in the wake of those comments.
- The controversial remark centered on an overtaking move that impacted the championship standings.
- Video evidence show Antonelli lost control, contradicting the suggestion of deliberate action.
- The individual in question has expressed regret to Mercedes team leadership.